OLD TESTAMENT

THE PENTATEUCH

Pentateuch is a Greek word that means five books. It is a common name for the first five
books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These
books were each written by Moses and chronicle Gods creation of the world, Gods choice
to draw humanity to Himself through the family of Abraham, the growth of thatfamily
into a large nation, Moses delivery of Gods law to the people, and Gods leadership of the
Israelites out of slavery, through the wilderness, and to the edge of their Promised Land.

3
 GENESIS
Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from beginning to end, you are God.
PSALM 90:2

Who Wrote the Book?

Old Testament books seldom include a byline, so we occasionally look to outside
sources to discover their authorship. Jewish tradition and other biblical authors
name Moses, the prophet and deliverer of Israel, as the author of the entire
Pentateuchthe first five books of the Old Testament. His education in the
courts of Egypt (Acts 7:22) and his close communion with Yahwehthe Hebrew
name for Godsupport this premise. Jesus Himself confirmed Moses authorship
(see John 5:45-47), as did the scribes and Pharisees of His time (Matt. 19:7; 22:24).
The first book of the Bible gets its name from the Septuagint, the Greek trans-
lation of the Jewish Scriptures. Genesis is a Greek word that means beginning
or origin and serves as a translation of the first word in the original Hebrew
version of Genesis: bereshith.
Moses wrote Genesis for the people of Israel, whom he led out of slavery in
Egypt back to the land of their forefathers. Genesis provides a history of those
forefatherstheir origins, their journeys, and their covenants with God. Because
the events contained in the rest of the Pentateuch are responses to the promises
of God found in Genesis, such a history of Gods interaction with their ancestors
would have provided encouragement and inspiration to the former slaves seeking
freedom and prosperity in the Promised Land.

Where Are We?

The first eleven chapters of Genesis paint the early history of the human race in
broad strokes. After the great flood, the focus narrows to Gods dealings with one
family living in Mesopotamia, a family headed by Abram (later called Abraham).
From the Euphrates River (in m odern-day Iraq) over to what is now Syria, events
move south into Canaan (modern-day Jordan and Israel) and Egypt. See the map
on the following page for a helpful visual reference to important places in Genesis.
5
 6

Genesis covers a longer

Travels of
period of time than all the other Haran Abraham
and his
books in the Bible combined.

Tigr
descendants
Eu

is R.
While the ancient history ph
Mediterranean r ate
recounted in the first eleven Sea s R.
chapters gives no indication of Bethel Babel
Hebron CANAAN
time span, Abrams story begins ELAM
EGYPT Beersheba
(Gen.12:1) around 2091bc, and
the book ends with Josephs ARABIAN Persian

Nile R.
DESERT Gulf
death in Egypt (Gen.50:26)
Red Sea
around 1805bc.

Why Is Genesis So Important?

To the original readers of Genesis, the book was valued as a history of their people.
It told them the story of how God created the world and dealt with all humanity
until He initiated a personal relationship with their forefather Abraham. Genesis
revealed to them the eternal promises God made to Abraham,
Genesis offers Isaac, and Jacobpromises that extended to their descendants.
It provided comfort and hope for the downtrodden Israelites as
a thorough they waited to return to their Promised Land.
background For later readers, Genesis offers a thorough background to
therest of the Bible. Here we learn ancient history and geogra-
to the rest of phy and are introduced to s ignificant people and events found
theBible. later in the Bible. In Genesis God reveals many facets of His
nature through His dealings with people. We also learn of the
origin of sin, of its destructive effect on humanity, and of Gods plan to atone for
that sin through a future Son from the people of Israel (Gen. 3:15; 22:18; 49:10).

Whats the Big Idea?

The Bible is divided into two major parts, the Old and New Testaments. Testament
is another word for covenant. Covenants figure prominently in the story of
Genesis, for they help define Gods relationship with His people at various times.
Sin broke the perfect peace between God and humanity (see Gen.3). But God
established His plan for redemption through covenants. He made a covenant
with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), then reaffirmed it with Isaac (Gen. 26:2-5) and with
Jacob (Gen. 28:13-15). Gods p romises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob applied to the
Israelites in Egypt and to later generations. Genesis sets the stage for the rest of
Gods plan to redeem the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

How Do I Apply This?

Its easy to get lost in the genealogies and stories in Genesis without seeing the
big picture. Keep God, not the people, in mind as you read through the book.
Consider His character qualities. If you were an Israelite just released from
slavery and reading this for the first time, would you marvel at Gods power over
creation? Or His anger over sin? Or the way He fulfilled His promises to everyone?
Awareness of each of these characteristics should evoke worshipand hope.
Remember that the Lord is strong, faithful, and just. And His desire to bless His
creation will one day be fully realized.
7 The Pentateuch | GENESIS

Creation Fall Flood Nations Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph

Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis

12 35 69 1011 1225 2627 2836 3750

Beginnings Beginning of the human race Beginning of the chosen race

Result Confusion and scattering Bondage in Egypt

History Primeval history Patriarchal history

Emphasis Four major events Four important people

Time Over 2,000 years Approximately 300 years

Key Words In the beginning (Gen. 1:1);

and Phrases account (Gen. 2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27; 25:12, 19; 36:1; 37:2)

Theme God promises to redeem and bless His people.

Key Verses Genesis 3:15; 12:3

Christ in Pictured in the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15); Melchizedek, the high priest (Gen. 14:18);
Genesis the humiliation and exaltation of Joseph (Gen. 3741)

The Account of Creation And that is what happened. 12 The land produced

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the

earth.* 2 The earth was formless and empty, and

darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of

vegetationall sorts of seed-bearing plants,
and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds
produced plants and trees of the same kind.
God was hovering over the surface of the waters. AndGod saw that it was good.
3 Then God said, Let there be light, and there was

13 And evening passed and morning came,

light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then
marking the third day.
he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God
14 Then God said, Let lights appear in the sky to
called the light day and the darkness night.

And evening passed and morning came, separate the day from the night. Let them be
marking the first day. signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. 15 Let

these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.

6 Then God said, Let there be a space between the

1:1Or In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth,... Or When
waters, to separate the waters of the heavens God began to create the heavens and the earth,...
from the waters of the earth. 7 And that is what

happened. God made this space to separate

the waters of the earth from the waters of the
LIVING INSIGHTS

A BOOK OF BEGINNINGS Gen. 1:1 The book of

heavens. 8 God called the space sky.

Genesis is the book of beginnings. Whatever begins,

And evening passed and morning came, begins here. It is the beginning of time, the beginning
marking the second day. of matter, and the beginning of humanity. Even sin
9 Then God said, Let the waters beneath the sky
had its beginning here, and thus, so did Gods judg-
flow together into one place, so dry ground may ment. In Genesis we see, for the first time, the plan of
appear. And that is what happened. 10 God called
God begin to unfold and the promise of the Messiahs
the dry ground land and the waters seas. And coming. Genesis is the beginning of the family as God
God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, Let

created itthe husband-and-wife relationshipand the
product of their union, the birth of children. This first
the land sprout with vegetationevery sort of
book in the Book of books is the beginning of life as
seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed- we know it. It all starts in Genesis.
bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the
kinds of plants and trees from which they came.
 G e n e sis 1 : 1 6 8

And that is what happened. 16 God made two 28 Then God blessed them and said, Be fruitful

great lightsthe larger one to govern the day, and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign
andthe smaller one to govern the night. He also over the fish in the sea, the birds in thesky, and
made the stars. 17 God set these lights in the sky

all the animals that scurry along theground.
to light the earth, 18 to govern the day and night,
29 Then God said, Look! I have given you every

and to separate the light from the darkness. And seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all
God saw that it was good. the fruit trees for your food. 30 And I have given

19 And evening passed and morning came,

every green plant as food for all the wild animals,
marking the fourth day. the birds in the sky, and the small animals that
20 Then scurry along the groundeverything that has
God said, Let the waters swarm with
life. And that is what happened.

fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with 31 Then God looked over all he had made, and
birds of every kind. 21 So God created great sea

he saw that it was very good!

creatures and every living thing that scurries

And evening passed and morning came,
and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird
marking the sixth day.
each producing offspring of the same kind. And
God saw that it was good. 22 Then God blessed
2 So the creation of the heavens and the earth

them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply. Let the

and everything in them was completed. 2 On
fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on

the seventh day God had finished his work of

the earth.
23 And evening passed and morning came,
creation, so he rested* from all his work. 3 And

God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy,

marking the fifth day.

because it was the day when he rested from all
24 Then God said, Let the earth produce every sort

hiswork of creation.
of animal, each producing offspring of the same 4 This is the account of the creation of the heavens
kindlivestock, small animals that scurry along

and the earth.

the ground, and wild animals. And that is what
happened. 25 God made all sorts of wild animals,
The Man and Woman in Eden

livestock, and small animals, each able to produce

When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,
offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it 5 neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the
was good.

26 Then God said, Let us make human beings*

earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to
water the earth, and there were no people to culti-

in our image, to be like us. They will reign over

vate the soil. 6 Instead, springs* came up from the
the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the

ground and watered all the land. 7 Then the Lord

livestock, all the wild animals on the earth,* and

God formed the man from the dust of the ground.

the small animals that scurry along the ground.
He breathed the breath of life into the mans nostrils,
27 So God created human beings* in his and the man b ecame a living person.
ownimage. 8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in

In the image of God he created them; the east, and there he placed the man he had made.
male and female he created them. 9 The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from

1:26aOr man; Hebrew reads adam.1:26bAs in Syriac version; Hebrew reads all the earth.1:27Or the man; Hebrew reads ha-adam.2:2Or ceased; also in 2:3.
2:6Or mist.
LIVING INSIGHTS

REMEMBER YOUR GENESIS Gen. 1:26-27 We each THE BEGINNING OF LEISURE Gen. 2:2 God wasnt
have our own genesis. We have all had our beginnings. tired. He didnt rest because there was nothing else to
Ihave never seen any two people with the same beginning. do. Rather, He deliberately stopped His work so that there
God has created us all u niqueevery individual is different. could be a deliberate beginning of leisure. This wasa time
Think back to your genesis, the beginning of your walk with to look at what He had made and to c ontemplate the
the Lord. Remember how old you were. Recall who first value of it. It was a time for enjoyment.
shared the gospel with you. Think back to that time when We sometimes make an idol out of productivity. If
you released your right to live your own way and surren- we do take some time out for relaxation and enjoyment,
dered yourself, in faith, to Christ. That was your genesis. we immediately start to feel guilty. But if were serious
True life began for you in that moment. about imitating God, then we must take time for leisure.
We have to take time to rest, to think, and to appreciate.
VERY GOOD Gen. 1:31 God looked at His creation
Whenever we do these things, we are doing exactly what
and said, in effect, Everything is in its place. Everything is
God did.
excellent. Nothing needs to be added. Nothing is lacking
that I wanted. Life, light, matter, land, sea, vegetation, man,
womanit is all there, and it is very good!
9 G e n e sis 2 : 9

The Image of God

GENESIS 1:26-27

T H E CLIM A X OF THE C R EATIVE WEEK is Gods creation of humanity. The stars and
lanets are in place. The sun is ready to rule the day and the moon the night. The seas
p
and the land have been formed. The plants and trees are bursting with life and in full
bloom. Then God brings humanity onto the scene. It almost appears anticlimactic until
we see that there is something altogether distinct about Gods creation of the man and
the woman in Genesis 1:26-27. The plants and animals were not made in His image.
The stars too, as magnificent as they are, do not bear Gods likeness. But the man and
thewomando.
When God said, Let us make human beings in our image, He was saying, in effect,
Humanity will be unlike anything I have created. No other being has a heart to love Me.
Noother created being has a mind to know Me or a will to obey Me. Nothing else in all of
My creation has a destiny of eternity like these creatures will have.
Iwill make humans distinct. They will have imago Dei, the image of Humans were
God, stamped on them. Only they will have a capacity within them
to love and know and obey Me. created to have
When we use the word image in our culture, our minds imag- community,
ine something external and short-lived. We talk about celebrities,
connection, and
corporations, or brands that protect their image. An image
in these cases has more to do with perception than reality. But communication
when we speak of the image of God, were not talking about Gods with the One
appearance as projected and presented through humanity. Were
who fashioned
talking about portraying who God is. In a unique and amazing way,
human beings relate to God and reflect something of His character them.
andnature.
What does it mean to be made in Gods image? Theologians have spilled oceans of
ink on this topic, but I will offer a few simple proposals. Humans have a capacity not found
in animals. God communicates with us in a way He does not communicate with animals.
There are inner, secret chambers within our being where the Lord connects with us. He
prods us with inner promptings. He urges, He moves, He convicts, He directs, He stops,
He guards, He guides. When God made us, He gave us more than a body: He gave us an
immaterial s oula spirit. Animals do not have a spirit. They have no connection with God
except by way of instinct and the natural order of things.
When God created the first humans, He made them to have a sense of c ommunity,
connection, and communication with the One who fashioned them. But once sin entered the
world, that connection broke down. It wasnt erased, but it was defaced. Itwasnt destroyed;
it was damaged. We live with a defaced and damaged image today. Nevertheless, unlike
animals, we are able to connect with our God in the inner person.
Bearing the image of God means that humans have dignity. It also means God has
entrusted us with the responsibility and the capacity to love and obey Him.
The image of God is who we are as human beings. It is our most basic, original
calling. God calls us to live in His imagein the light of who He is and who He has
madeus to be.
 G e n e sis 2 : 1 0 10

the groundtrees that were beautiful and that pro- all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He
duced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he brought them to the man* to see what he would call
placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge them, and the man chose a name for each one. 20 He

of good and evil. gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky,
10 A river flowed from the land of Eden, watering

and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper
the garden and then dividing into four branches. just right for him.
11 The first branch, called the Pishon, flowed around
21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a

the entire land of Havilah, where gold is found. 12 The

deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took
gold of that land is exceptionally pure; aromatic resin out one of the mans ribs* and closed up the opening.
and onyx stone are also found there. 13 The second 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib,

branch, called the Gihon, flowed around the entire and he brought her to the man.
land of Cush. 14 The third branch, called the Tigris,
23 At last! the man exclaimed.

flowed east of the land of Asshur. The fourth branch

This one is bone from my bone,
is called the Euphrates.
15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of and flesh from my flesh!
She will be called woman,

Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God
because she was taken from man.

warned him, You may freely eat the fruit of every tree
in the garden17 except the tree of the knowledge of
24 This explains why a man leaves his father and

good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die. mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are
18 Then the Lord God said, It is not good for the
united into one.
man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right 25 Now the man and his wife were both naked, but

for him. 19 So the Lord God formed from the ground

they felt no shame.
2:19Or Adam, and so throughout the chapter.2:21Or took a part of the mans side.
LIVING INSIGHTS

THE PRIVILEGE OF WORK Gen. 2:15 The first thing THE HELPER SINGS HARMONY Gen. 2:18 God
God did with the first man on the earth was give him a holdsthe patent on marriage. It was His idea! It wasnt
[Link] is important to God. The job Adam had was ours. He came up with it. Gods truth, as revealed in
asignificant responsibility, an involved occupation: The Scripture, remains unchanged. God looks at the man as
man was to cultivate the garden. he is alone, and God says, Not good. Thats not best.
Many people feel that work is a curse. But it isnt. Thealoneness is not good. And then He says, I will make
When we look at Genesis 23, we see that sweat upon ahelper who is just right for him.
the brow is part of the curse, but work itself is not a Heres the way I like to describe it. The Lord gave
curse. In fact, work began in the context of innocence. the man the melody line in the music, and He gave
Work remains one of the greatest privileges God has the woman the harmony part. Its a beautiful duet put
given us. together by God.
The very first term used to describe the purpose of the
GOD TAKES CARE OF HIS CHILDREN Gen. 2:18
wife is helper. Shes the one who assists in the fulfill-
Adam did not come to God one day and say, God,
ment of this relationship. Shes the one who adds color
Ivehad it with being in the garden alone. I am really
and harmony and beauty to the relationship. Otherwise,
justsick of all these lonely days and nights. No, it was
its rather m
eat-and-potatoes, a plain and primitive
God who saw that it was not good for the man to be
melody. God says to Adam, in essence, All alone, your
alone. Adamsimply did his work faithfully, and God
voice cant carry it, Adam. You working alone is not some-
stepped in.
thing that pleases Me, nor will it really satisfy you. I will
How did God know to do that? He took time to
provide someone you need who is just right for you.
observe. He related. He anticipated the need before
Adam even said it. He knew what Adam needed even DELIGHTFUL INTIMACY Gen. 2:24-25 Gods design
though Adam didnt know it himself and didnt have shows His intent. In Gods plan, marriage is m onogamy
theability to say it. aheterosexual relationship between a man and a woman
Parents, take time to study how your children are joined by God. This plan is so lovely and fulfilling that
made. Observe how each one is unlike other children, the last verse of Genesis 2 describes the man and his
and then move in to help when you see a need. Thats wife as both being naked without shame. There is no
relating. Thats building a friendship. It takes time and self-consciousness. There is no uneasiness with one
effort if you want it to be a real friendship. God takes another. There is no reluctance. The heavenly Father who
time and effort with us. He notices who we are and made them said, in effect, Man alone is not as good
whatwe need. He sees a lack, and He responds. This as man joined. And in the beauty and intimacy of this
iswhat the love of God is all about. innocent setting, there is even freedom in their naked-
ness. That plan hasnt changed. In the bonds of marriage
as God designed it there is a delightful intimacy found
nowhereelse.
11 G e n e sis 2 : 2 5

Guidelines for Marriage

GENESIS 2:24-25

I FIND IN GENES IS 2:24-25 four helpful guidelines for marriage we can summarize in
one word each. When trouble comes in a marriage, its because one or more of these four
guidelines have been overlooked, ignored, or directly disobeyed.
The first is the principle of severance: A man leaves his father and mother. Severance
does not mean we no longer listen to our parents. Nor does it mean we never need them
or talk to them. Of course not! Severance simply means we are not dependent on them.
We either need to sever that dependence or not get married. This applies to both men and
women, regardless of age.
The second principle is permanence: A man... is joined to his wife. Think of glue
bonding two substances together. If youve ever applied a professional-grade glue, you
understand what it means when the directions say, Dont put it on until youre ready
for it to stick. Why? The things you glue together will be bonded. This is the principle of
permanence. Following this principle means working through and
dealing with anything that may cause the glue to break loose Adam and Eve
anything disturbing the permanence. That means you dont do
had nothing to
things that threaten the bond. You refuse to spend time with people
who can weaken the permanence. You dont allow flexibility where hide, from God
there should be faithfulness. To be joined is to be permanently or each other.
bondedfor life.
The third principle is unity: The two are united into one. Paul
It was not until
would later refer to this union as a great mystery (Eph. 5:32). sin entered the
Can you imagine two people who are very different becoming one? world that they
Itdoesnt happen automatically or easily. The process only begins
atthe altar. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work for two
experienced
people to become united in body, mind, and purpose. It requires shame.
alifetime of adaptation and adjustment for two to become one.
The fourth and final principle is intimacy: The man and his wife were both naked,
but they felt no shame. Here stood Adam and Eve, arm in arm before the living God,
not ashamed to stand naked before Him or each other. Their nakedness was more than
physical; it was also emotional. They had no secrets. They had nothing to hide, from God
or each other. It was not until sin entered the world that they experienced shame in
nakedness (Gen. 3:7). If you are married, you and your spouse are either becoming more
unified or youre hiding. God wants the two of you to develop intimacy by being open
with each other. When you experience heartaches, discouragements, and even joys, a
spouse can understand these things like no one else. Its remarkable what happens when
intimacy grows.
Perhaps you realize you have not been following Gods principles for marriage. Change
works against our fallen nature, and it is tough work. But the good news? With God, you
can do it. The way to make a change is to start today, follow Gods Word, and determine to
do the right thing each day. Believe me, its worth it.
G e n e sis 3 : 1 12

THE GARDEN
OFEDEN
GENESIS 2

TURKEY

SYRIA
IRAN
ISRAEL IRAQ
?

EGYPT
SAUDI
ARABIA

Unspoiled Creation. The Garden of Eden was an unsullied

paradise, the perfect place for Adam and Eve.

TRYING TO DETERMINE the location of the Garden of Eden has given Bible students
and scholars an unending quest. Genesis describes Eden as in the east and as
having a river that watered the garden and divided, becoming four rivers. We can
locate two of the four riversthe Tigris and the Euphrates, which flowed through
ancient Mesopotamia, or modern Iraq (Gen. 2:8, 10-14). With these scant geographic
facts, scholars must put a question mark in the atlas beside any proposed location of
the Garden of Eden.
The Hebrew term eden means delight and describes the ideal circumstances
Adam and Eve enjoyed in the garden. Yet even a perfect environment had its challenges:

 There was a tree in the garden with fruit that God had commanded Adam and Eve
not to eat (Gen. 2:16-17).
 Even in paradise, perfect humanity still faced temptation from the devil to disobey
Gods command (Gen. 3:1-5; Rev. 12:9).
 Adam and Eve had within them the possibility of disobedience.

In other words, the delightful surroundings of the Garden of Eden didnt remove the
need to obey God.
Its essential that we remember this as we pursue our goals in life. If paradise
required obedience to God, how much more do our lives! To help us in our journey,
we have what Adam and Eve also h adGods direction. In spite of what the tempter
would have us believe, Gods rules have good reasons. God gives us His prohibitions
because He loves usnot because He is trying to keep us from our potential. In fact,
its just the opposite. Gods purposes for our lives are best realized when we trust and
obey His Word.
Searching for the Garden of Eden hasnt ended with its physical location. Many
people live their lives on a quest for the ideal life. But instead we should determine to
remain obedient in whatever situation we find ourselves. Obedience is always Gods
desire for us.
13 G e n e sis 3 : 1 7

The Man and Woman Sin 12 The man replied, It was the woman you gave me

3 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild ani-

mals the Lord God had made. One day he asked
the woman, Did God really say you must not eat the
who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.
13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, What

have you done?

fruit from any of the trees in the garden? The serpent deceived me, she replied. Thats
2 Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the

why I ate it.
garden, the woman replied. 3 Its only the fruit from
14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent,

the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not

allowed to eat. God said, You must not eat it or even Because you have done this, you are cursed
touch it; if you do, you will die. more than all animals, domestic and wild.
4 You wont die! the serpent replied to the woman.

You will crawl on your belly,
5 God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon

groveling in the dust as long as you live.
15 And I will cause hostility between you and
as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both
good and evil. thewoman,
6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree

and between your offspring and her
was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she offspring.
wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took He will strike* your head,
some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to and you will strike his heel.
her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At
16 Then he said to the woman,

that moment their eyes were opened, and they sud-

denly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy,
leaves together to cover themselves. and in pain you will give birth.
8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing,
And you will desire to control your husband,
the man* and his wife heard the Lord God walking but he will rule over you.*
about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God 17 And to the man he said,

among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the

man, Where are you? Since you listened to your wife and ate from
10 He replied, I heard you walking in the garden, so
thetree
I hid. I was afraid because I was naked. whose fruit I commanded you not to eat,
11 Who told you that you were naked? the Lord
the ground is cursed because of you.
God asked. Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit All your life you will struggle to scratch a
I commanded you not to eat? livingfrom it.
3:8Or Adam, and so throughout the chapter.3:15Or bruise; also in 3:15b.3:16Or And though you will have desire for your husband, / he will rule over you.

LIVING INSIGHTS
FORBIDDEN FRUIT Gen. 3:1-7 God had clearly said, upon the man, the woman, the serpent, and even upon
Dont eat from that tree. But Adam and Eve ate the theearth.
forbidden fruit anyway! Why in the world would they do We cannot imagine a world free of this curse. Try to
that? Human nature? Curiosity? picture childbirth without pain, or a field without weeds,
We might ask ourselves the same question. We are oreven a heart that is absolutely innocent. We cant
warned about the danger of sin so often in Scripture imagine it. Thats because there are no such things. We live
Sunday after Sunday, week after week, Bible study after our entire lives on a sin-cursed earth. But Adam and Eve
Bible study, time with the Lord after time after time. Why lived during the transition between paradise and life after
is it that, when presented with the very thing God says the curse. How could they stand the incredible contrast
wehave no business doing, we take a big bite? between what they had in the garden and what they had
You and I will face choices just like Adam and Eve did. asa result of their fall? It must have seemed overwhelming.
Wewill struggle with this thing inside each of us. Paul calls
SATAN WAS CONQUERED AT THE CROSS Gen. 3:15
it the old sinful self (see Rom. 6:6). You will never be rid
Genesis 3 gives us a glimpse into the spiritual warfare that
of it, nor will I, throughout this life. You will curse it, you will
surrounds us. If we look at this chapter alone, it seems
hate it, and you will find yourself attacking it. Yet you will later
as if Satan has won the fight. Yet after mankind fell, God
turn around and exalt it, try to please it, and protect it. The
promised that the offspring of the woman would ultimately
Christian life often feels like a yo-yo or a roller coaster: It
triumph over Satan. The devil succeeded in the first battle,
goes up and down. The gravitational pull of the old sinful self
but a second round would come that would deal the death
is always there, saying, Satisfy me. We are burdened with
blow to him. That promise was fulfilled at Calvary, when
the disease of selfishness. It is a malady only God can cure.
Jesus Christ, born of a woman, crushed the serpents head
AFTER THE CURSE Gen. 3:14-19 In Genesis 2, we see (see Gal. 4:4-5). At the cross of Jesus Christ, God judged
the beauty of the fellowship between Adam and Eve and Satan. He stripped the ancient serpent of his power. He
their Creator. We see innocence. But in Genesis 3, sin steps took from Satan, as far as the believer is concerned, any
onto the scene. As a result of sins entrance, a curse falls right to rule over us.
 G e n e sis 3 : 1 8 14

18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you, accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry,
though you will eat of its grains. and he looked dejected.
19 By the sweat of your brow 6 Why are you so angry? the Lord asked Cain.

will you have food to eat Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted

until you return to the ground if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what
from which you were made. is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door,
For you were made from dust, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be
and to dust you will return. its master.
8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, Lets go

Paradise Lost: Gods Judgment out into the fields.* And while they were in the field,
20 Then

the manAdamnamed his wife Eve, be- Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.
cause she would be the mother of all who live.* 21 And 9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, Where is your

the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for brother? Where is Abel?
Adam and his wife. I dont know, Cain responded. Am I my brothers
22 Then the Lord God said, Look, the human be-

guardian?
ings* have become like us, knowing both good and 10 But the Lord said, What have you done? Listen!

evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree Your brothers blood cries out to me from the ground!
of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever! 23 So 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground,

the Lord God banished them from the Garden of which has swallowed your brothers blood. 12 No

Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no
from which he had been made. 24 After sending them
matter how hard you work! From now on you will be
out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the a homeless wanderer on the earth.
east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming 13 Cain replied to the Lord, My punishment* is too

sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from

to the tree of life. the land and from your presence; you have made
me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will
Cain and Abel killme!

4 Now Adam* had sexual relations with his wife, 15 The Lord replied, No, for I will give a sevenfold

Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave punishment to anyone who kills you. Then the Lord
birth to Cain, she said, With the Lords help, I have put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try
produced* a man! 2 Later she gave birth to his brother

to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lords presence and

and named him Abel. settled in the land of Nod,* east of Eden.
When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd,
while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time
The Descendants of Cain
for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops 17 Cain had sexual relations with his wife, and she be-

as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a giftthe

came pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain
best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. founded a city, which he named Enoch, after his son.
The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not 18 Enoch had a son named Irad. Irad became the father

3:20Eve sounds like a Hebrew term that means to givelife.3:22Or the man; Hebrew reads ha-adam.4:1aOr the man; also in 4:25.4:1bOr I have acquired. Cain
sounds like a Hebrew term that can mean produce oracquire.4:8As in Samaritan Pentateuch, Greek and Syriac versions, and Latin Vulgate; Masoretic Text lacks Lets go
out into the fields.4:13Or My sin.4:16Nod means wandering.
LIVING INSIGHTS

ANGER IS A CANCER Gen. 4:1-16 Some things dont which had grabbed the eagle in retaliation and bit its main
fix themselves. Take a flat tire, for instance. You will not go artery. Neither animal survived the fall.
to bed with a flat tire and wake up in the morning and say, Thats a perfect illustration of what anger does to us
Well, what do you know? It fixed itself! when we fail to deal with it. It takes us down. When we
Anger is one of those things that wont repair itself. ignore our anger, it never fixes itself.
Anger never vanishesit only multiplies. Thats why you have
FEELINGS WILL FOLLOW Gen. 4:6-7 In our day, we
to face it and deal with it. You have to confess it. Anger is
are sometimes told not to do something until we feel
like a cancer. You have to get rid of it.
like it. With that mindset, it seems that we will only be
A friend of mine who was camping in Colorado caught
able to obey when we feel like it. But God says nothing
sight of an eagle as it was following its prey. The eagle
about feelings when talking with Cain. God says, in effect,
came down to treetop level and suddenly swept down and
Cain, do what is right and youll have a better attitude
grabbed a sizable animal in its talons. After the eagle took
in life. Do what is right and you wont be so dejected. Do
off again, my friend watched it ascend. All of a sudden, the
what is right and youll be happier. Your attitude will be
eagles wings went limp, it fell into a tailspin, and the bird
transformed. We dont need to wait until we feel like it to
and its prey crashed to the ground! My friend ran over to
do what is right. Weneed to do what is right first, and the
see what had happened. The eagle had caught a weasel,
feelings will follow.
15 G e n e sis 4 : 1 8

P E O P L E P R O F I L E S

Cain
GOD S MARK OF GRACE

Cain and A bel sons of Adam and Eve. They

were brothers , Q U I C K FA C T S
>> SETTING Near Eden
gravitated to different occupations: Abel was a shepherd,
>> OCCUPATIONS Farmer, wanderer
caring for animals, while Cain chose to cultivate crops as
>> RELATIVES Parents: Adam and Eve;
a farmer. As adults, these two young men brought their Siblings: Abel, Seth, and others not
offerings to the Lord. mentioned by name
Here is where the conflict began. Cain brought as his
offering some of his crops. Abel brought the best por- KEY LESSONS
>> Anger is not necessarily a sin, but actions
tions of the firstborn lambs from his flock (Gen. 4:3-4). Cain
motivated by anger can be sinful. Anger
did it his own way, a way that proved to be unacceptable to should be the energy behind good action,
God, and his offering was rejected. Abel did it Gods way and not evil action.
found full acceptance because of his faith (Heb.11:4). >> What we offer to God must be from the
heartthe best of who we are and what
Observe Cains response carefully: He became very
we have.
angry (Gen. 4:5). Interesting, isnt it? He knew what God
>> The consequences of sin may last a
expected, but he failed to do it. When God responded lifetime.
justly, Cain got angry. He was also jealous of Abel because
God accepted Abels offering. God saw that anger and LEARN MORE
jealousy were consuming Cain, and He graciously gave him Cains story is told in Genesis 4:1-17.
Heisalso mentioned in Hebrews 11:4;
a warning: Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control 1John 3:12; and Jude 1:11.
you (Gen. 4:7). God said, in effect, Dont let anger get
the best of you. If you continue to compound the problem of this disobedient sacrifice, you will
fall deeper into sin.
What happened next? The first murder. Through this monstrous act, Cain basically said, You
want a sacrifice? Heres Your sacrifice, God! Blood spilled onto the ground as Abels lifeless
body collapsed into Cains arms.
But then God came along, asking a question He already knew the answer to, a question
designed to make Cain think deeply: Where is your brother? Cains impudent answer has
lived on through the centuries: Am I my brothers guardian? (Gen. 4:9). The man had done an
unconscionable deed, yet he defiantly refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing.
Only when God announces His judgment do we see a little emotion from Cain. Listen
to him: My punishment is too great for me to bear! ... Anyone who finds me will kill me!
(Gen.4:1314). Hes afraid that others will treat him as he had treated his brother.
Now watch Gods incredible expression of grace. Had you or I been in charge of the case,
we likely would have pounded the gavel and said, Justice is served. But God is gracious; He
gave Cain a mark that warned people not to take revenge against him. What was that mark? We
dont know. Whatever it was, I see it as an act of grace. I believe that by sparing Cains life, God
left an opportunity for Cain to repent. That mark was Gods way of saying, Im ready to listen.
Im ready to accept you. Not even this murder can keep you from Me permanently. Thats a
picture of Gods amazing grace in the life of every one of usdescendants of Cain that we are.
G e n e sis 4 : 1 9 16

of* Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methu 18 When Jared was 162years old, he became the

shael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. father of Enoch. 19 After the birth of Enoch, Jared

19 Lamech married two women. The first was

lived another 800years, and he had other sons
named Adah, and the second was Zillah. 20 Adah
and daughters. 20 Jared lived 962years, and then

gave birth to Jabal, who was the first of those who he died.
raise livestock and live in tents. 21 His brothers name 21 When Enoch was 65years old, he became

was Jubal, the first of all who play the harp and flute. the father of Methuselah. 22 After the birth of

22Lamechs other wife, Zillah, gave birth to a son

Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with
named Tubal-cain. He became an expert in forg- God for another 300years, and he had other
ing tools of bronze and iron. Tubal-cain had a sister sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365years,

named Naamah. 23 One day Lamech said to his wives,

24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one

day he disappeared, because God took him.

Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; 25 When Methuselah was 187years old, he became
listen to me, you wives of Lamech.

the father of Lamech. 26 After the birth of Lamech,

I have killed a man who attacked me,

Methuselah lived another 782years, and he had

a young man who wounded me.
24 If someone who kills Cain is punished seven times, other sons and daughters. 27 Methuselah lived

969years, and then he died.

then the one who kills me will be punished 28 When Lamech was 182years old, he became
seventy-seven times!

the father of a son. 29 Lamech named his son

The Birth of Seth

Noah, for he said, May he bring us relief* from
25 Adam had sexual relations with his wife again, and our work and the painful labor of farming this
ground that the Lord has cursed. 30 After the

she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth,*

for she said, God has granted me another son in birth of Noah, Lamech lived another 595years,
place of Abel, whom Cain killed. 26 When Seth grew
and he had other sons and daughters. 31 Lamech

up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time lived 777years, and then he died.
32 After Noah was 500years old, he became the
people first began to worship the Lord by name.

father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The Descendants of Adam
A World Gone Wrong
5madeThis is the written account of the descendants

them to be like himself. He created them male 6 and daughters were born to them. The sons of
of Adam. When God created human beings,* he
2

Then the people began to multiply on the earth,
2

and female, and he blessed them and called them God saw the beautiful women* and took any they
human. wanted as their wives. 3Then the Lord said, My Spirit

will not put up with* humans for such a long time, for
3 When Adam was 130years old, he became the

they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal
father of a son who was just like himin his lifespan will be no more than 120years.
very image. He named his son Seth. 4 After the 4 In those days, and for some time after, giant

birth of Seth, Adam lived another 800years, and Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons
he had other sons and daughters. 5 Adam lived
of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth
930years, and then he died. to children who became the heroes and famous war-
6 When Seth was 105years old, he became the father

riors of ancient times.
of* Enosh. 7 After the birth of* Enosh, Seth lived
5 The Lord observed the extent of human wicked-

another 807years, and he had other sons and ness on the earth, and he saw that everything they
daughters. 8 Seth lived 912years, and then he died.

thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.
9 When Enosh was 90years old, he became the
6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and

father of Kenan. 10 After the birth of Kenan,

put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 7 And the

Enosh lived another 815years, and he had other Lord said, I will wipe this human race I have created
sons and daughters. 11 Enosh lived 905years,

from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy
andthen he died. every living thingall the people, the large animals,
12 When Kenan was 70years old, he became

the small animals that scurry along the ground, and
the father of Mahalalel. 13 After the birth of

even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made
Mahalalel, Kenan lived another 840years, and them. 8 But Noah found favor with the Lord.

he had other sons and daughters. 14 Kenan

lived910years, and then he died. The Story of Noah

15 When Mahalalel was 65years old, he became
9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was

the father of Jared. 16 After the birth of Jared,

a righteous man, the only blameless person living on
Mahalalel lived another 830years, and he had earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship
other sons and daughters. 17 Mahalalel lived
with God. 10 Noah was the father of three sons: Shem,

895years, and then he died. Ham, and Japheth.

4:18Or the ancestor of, and so throughout the verse.4:25Seth probably means granted; the name may also mean appointed.5:1Or man; Hebrew reads adam; similarly
in 5:2.5:6Or the ancestor of; also in 5:9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 25.5:7Or the birth of this ancestor of; also in 5:10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 26.5:29Noah sounds like a Hebrew term that
can mean relief or comfort.6:2Hebrew daughters of men; also in 6:4.6:3Greek version reads will not remain in.
17 G e n e sis 6 : 1 0

P E O P L E P R O F I L E S

Noah
T H E S H I P- B U I L D I N G P R E A C H E R

Noah lived in a world that had degenerated into complete Q U I C K FA C T S

>> SETTING Were not told how far from the
rebellion against God (Gen. 6:5). These were dreadful days
Garden of Eden people hadsettled.
days of moral contamination and compromise. But right
>> OCCUPATIONS Farmer, shipbuilder,
smack in the middle of that flow of sewage was Noah, a preacher
godly man who would rear a godlyfamily. >> RELATIVES Grandfather: Methuselah;
God had finally seen enough: He decided to wipe Father: Lamech; Sons: Shem, Ham,
andJapheth
humanity out and start over (Gen. 6:6-7). Now thats what
I call a frightening prophecy! But Gods judgment would
KEY LESSONS
work slowly. For years, humanity had the opportunity to >> God is faithful to those who obey Him.
respond to God (see 1Pet. 3:20). Noah was the model that >> God does not always protect us from
humanity was to follow. He walked in close fellowship trouble, but He cares for us in spite
oftrouble.
with God (Gen. 6:9).
>> Obedience is a long-term commitment.
The entire time that Noah was gathering wood and
>> We may be faithful, but our sinful nature
pounding nails, he was making a dramatic announce- always travels with us.
ment to a wicked generation. The people of Noahs
world hadnever seen the likes of Noahs ark! Here he LEARN MORE
was, building this huge ship in his backyard, hundreds of Noahs story is told in Genesis [Link].
He is also mentioned in 1Chronicles 1:4;
miles away from any navigable body of water. So during
Isaiah 54:9; Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Matthew
thoselong years, this ship-building preacher must have 24:37-38; Luke 3:36; 17:26-27; Hebrews
been a powerful witness to Gods incredible patience 11:7; 1Peter 3:20; and 2Peter 2:5.
andpower.
After this mammoth construction project was completed, God closed the door of the ark.
Inside were His only followers, along with the most amazing collection of animals you can
imagine. Then Gods terrible judgment fell on the rest of the outside world.
As we read on just a bit we notice the first thing Noah did when he left the ark: He built
an altar to the Lord (Gen. 8:20). Why? I think it was because he was afraid. The world was
completely different from the way it had been before. He saw strange new mountains and
valleys; the climate was alien to him. Over all the world hung an eerie silence. So Noah knelt
down before God and prayed, and God responded to him with an enduring and beautiful
promise: Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures.... I have placed my rainbow
in the clouds. It is thesign of my covenant with you and with all the earth (Gen. 9:11, 13).
Feargone.
At times you may think youre at your end, that youre going to be wiped off the face of
the earth. Let me offer you this gentle advice: When those times come, calm down and pray.
Gods plan is full of rainbows, and people who trust in His promises are especially honored
andprotected.
 G e n e sis 6 : 1 1 18

11 Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt

alone are righteous. 2 Take with you seven pairs

and was filled with violence. 12 God observed all this

male and femaleof each animal I have approved for
corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was cor- eating and for sacrifice,* and take one pair of each
rupt. 13 So God said to Noah, I have decided to destroy
of the others. 3 Also take seven pairs of every kind of

all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with vi- bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair
olence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! to ensure that all life will survive on the earth after
14 Build a large boat* from cypress wood* and
the flood. 4 Seven days from now I will make the rains

waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct pour down on the earth. And it will rain for forty days
decks and stalls throughout its interior. 15 Make the and forty nights, until I have wiped from the earth all
boat 450feet long, 75feet wide, and 45feet high.* the living things I have created.
16 Leave an 18-inch opening* below the roof all the way
5 So Noah did everything as the Lord commanded
around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build him.
three decks inside the b oatlower, middle, and upper. 6 Noah was 600years old when the flood covered
17 Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood
the earth. 7 He went on board the boat to escape the

that will destroy every living thing that breathes. floodhe and his wife and his sons and their wives.
Everything on earth will die. 18 But I will confirm 8 With them were all the various kinds of animals
my covenant with you. So enter the boatyou and those approved for eating and for sacrifice and those
your wife and your sons and their wives. 19 Bring a that were notalong with all the birds and the small
pair of every kind of animala male and a female animals that scurry along the ground. 9 They entered

into the boat with you to keep them alive during the the boat in pairs, male and female, just as God had
flood. 20 Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of
commanded Noah. 10 After seven days, the waters of

animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries the flood came and covered the earth.
along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. 11 When Noah was 600 years old, on the seven-

21 And be sure to take on board enough food for your

teenth day of the second month, all the underground
family and for all the animals. waters erupted from the earth, and the rain fell in
22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had com-
mighty torrents from the sky. 12 The rain continued

manded him. to fall for forty days and forty nights.

13 That very day Noah had gone into the boat with

The Flood Covers the Earth his wife and his sonsShem, Ham, and Japhethand

7 When everything was ready, the Lord said to

Noah, Go into the boat with all your famil y, for
among all the people of the earth, I can see that you
their wives. 14 With them in the boat were pairs of

every kind of animaldomestic and wild, large and

smallalong with birds of every kind. 15 Two by two

6:14aTraditionally rendered an ark.6:14bOr gopher wood.6:15Hebrew 300cubits [138meters] long, 50cubits [23meters] wide, and 30cubits [13.8meters] high.
6:16Hebrew an opening of 1cubit [46centimeters].7:2Hebrew of each clean animal; similarly in 7:8.
LIVING INSIGHTS

BELIEVE THAT GOD CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE In the centuries to come, there would be another ark
Gen.6:9-22 God tells Noah to build an ark. He says to inthe shape of a cross. Only One was qualified to be on it.
make it a certain size and a particular shape and to use That Savior paid the penalty for sin so that all who believed
specific materials. Noah responds without hesitation. He in Him would be rescued from eternal judgment.
does it! That may not seem incredible until we remember Most who were near Him mocked and denied Him, just
that no one has ever built an ark before. Noah hasnt read like the people of Noahs day did to Noah. Even today,
Genesis 6. All he knows is that God has spoken, and Noah the majority of people still mock and still deny God. But
chooses to have faith and obey. when itcomes to spiritual things, its doubtful that the
Is that happening in your life? Do Gods commands seem majority has ever been right. But the cross is big enough
strange? What in the world are you waiting for? Why is it so foreveryone who listens to Gods instruction and gets
hard to believe that God can do the impossible? His Book is inside before Godshuts the door and its too late.
full of stories like Noahs. They are here to encourage you.
RISING WATERS Gen. 7:13 Do you know what you
THE ARK OF SALVATION Gen. 7:1-24 Noah did every- need when the floodwaters are rising? You need sound
thing God told him to do. Then he entered the a rkand slam! theology. You need a solid dose of biblical truth where
God shut the door. For the first time in their lives the people you can put down your anchor. Your situation may seem
on the outside felt rain on their shoulders. Sadly, it was too as hopeless as an overwhelming flood. You may be saying
late. The door was closed. Scripture preserves us from the to yourself, Theres no way were going to survive this. But
horror Noahs family went through as they listened to the cries havent you told yourself that same thing countless times
of their neighbors clawing to get in the ark as the waters rose. before? Relax. Gods plan is full of rainbowspromises
This is a story of incredible judgment and, at the same that He will never break (see Gen. 9). He is fully capable
time, of magnificent rescue. God is helping the hopeless of honoring and protecting those who trust Him.
and shutting the mouths of the wicked. The good news?
Hewould do it again.
19 G e n e sis 9 : 1 6

they came into the boat, representing every living he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds
thing that breathes. 16 A male and female of each kind
that had been approved for that purpose.* 21 And the

entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and
Lord closed the door behind them. said to himself, I will never again curse the ground be-
17 For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper,
cause of the human race, even though everything they
covering the ground and lifting the boat high above think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood.
the earth. 18 As the waters rose higher and higher
I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as

above the ground, the boat floated safely on the sur- the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest,
face. 19 Finally, the water covered even the highest
cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.
mountains on the earth, 20 rising more than twenty-

two feet* above the highest peaks. 21 All the living God Confirms His Covenant

things on earth diedbirds, domestic animals, wild Then God blessed Noah and his sons and told
animals, small animals that scurry along the ground, them, Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth. All 2

and all the people. 22 Everything that breathed and

the animals of the earth, all the birds of the sky, all the
lived on dry land died. 23 God wiped out every living small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the
thing on the earthpeople, livestock, small animals fish in the sea will look on you with fear and terror.
that scurry along the ground, and the birds of the sky. Ihave placed them in your power. 3 I have given them

All were destroyed. The only people who survived to you for food, just as I have given you grain and veg-
were Noah and those with him in the boat. 24 And the
etables. 4 But you must never eat any meat that still has

floodwaters covered the earth for 150days. the lifeblood in it.

5 And I will require the blood of anyone who takes

The Flood Recedes another persons life. If a wild animal kills a person, it

8 But God remembered Noah and all the wild must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human
animals and livestock with him in the boat. He must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that persons

sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the flood life will also be taken by human hands. For God made
waters began to recede. 2 The underground waters
human beings* in his own image. 7 Now be fruitful

stopped flowing, and the torrential rains from the and multiply, and repopulate the earth.
8 Then God told Noah and his sons, 9 I hereby con-
sky were stopped. 3 So the floodwaters gradually re-

cededfrom the earth. After 150days, 4 exactly five

firm my covenant with you and your descendants,
10 and with all the animals that were on the boat
months from the time the flood began,* the boat

came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5 Two and with youthe birds, the livestock, and all the wild
animalsevery living creature on earth. 11 Yes, I am

a half months later,* as the waters continued to go

down, other mountain peaks became visible. confirming my covenant with you. Never again will
6 After another forty days, Noah opened the window floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a
flood destroy the earth.

he had made in the boat 7 and released a raven. The

12 Then God said, I am giving you a sign of my

bird flew back and forth until the floodwaters on the

covenant with you and with all living creatures, for

earth had dried up. 8 He also released a dove to see if
all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow

the water had receded and it could find dry ground.

9 But the dove could find no place to land because the

in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you
and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the

water still covered the ground. So it returned to the

earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and

boat, and Noah held out his hand and drew the dove

I will remember my covenant with you and with all

back inside. 10 After waiting another seven days, Noah

living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters de-

released the dove again. 11This time the dove returned

stroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds,

to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. I will remember the eternal covenant between God
Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost
gone. 12 He waited another seven days and then re-
7:20Hebrew 15cubits [6.9meters].8:4Hebrew on the seventeenth day of the
seventh month; see 7:11.8:5Hebrew On the first day of the tenth month; see
leased the dove again. This time it did not come back. 7:11 and note on 8:4.8:13Hebrew On the first day of the first month; see 7:11.
13 Noah was now 601years old. On the first day of
8:14Hebrew The twenty-seventh day of the second month arrived; see note on 8:13.
8:20Hebrew every clean animal and every clean bird.9:6Or man; Hebrew reads
the new year, ten and a half months after the flood ha-adam.
began,* the floodwaters had almost dried up from the
earth. Noah lifted back the covering of the boat and
saw that the surface of the ground was drying. 14 Two
LIVING INSIGHTS

THE RAINBOW IS A SIGN Gen. 9:1-17 Whenever

more months went by,* and at last the earth was dry!
15 Then God said to Noah, 16 Leave the boat, all of

Icatch sight of a rainbow, I like to point it out and
say to any people nearby, God put that there. That
youyou and your wife, and your sons and their wives.
17 Release all the animalsthe birds, the livestock, and

usually catches them off guard. Sometimes they even
jump a little! They look around as though God is going
the small animals that scurry along the groundso they to appear. Then I say, That rainbow is the sign of a
can be fruitful and multiply throughout theearth. promise. According to Genesis 9, God will never again
18 So Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives
flood the earth. I have found that to be a great way to

left the boat. 19 And all of the large and small animals

start aconversation aboutChrist.

and birds came out of the boat, pair by pair.
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there

G e n e sis 9 : 1 7 20

and every living creature on earth. 17 Then God said is like Nimrod, the greatest hunter in the world.
to Noah, Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant 10 He built his kingdom in the land of Babylonia,*

I am confirming with all the creatures on earth. with the cities of Babylon, Erech, Akkad, and
Calneh. 11 From there he expandedhis territory

Noahs Sons to Assyria,* building the cities of Nineveh,

18 The

sons of Noah who came out of the boat with Rehoboth-ir, Calah, 12 andResen (the great city

their father were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham is the located between Nineveh and Calah).
father of Canaan.) 19 From these three sons of Noah
13 Mizraim was the ancestor of the Ludites,

came all the people who now populate the earth. Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites, 14 Pathrusites,

20 After the flood, Noah began to cultivate the

Casluhites, and the Caphtorites, from whom
ground, and he planted a vineyard. 21 One day he thePhilistines came.*
drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk 15 Canaans oldest son was Sidon, the ancestor of

and lay naked inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Ca

the Sidonians. Canaan was also the ancestor of
naan, saw that his father was naked and went outside the Hittites,* 16 Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites,

and told his brothers. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took

17 Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, 18 Arvadites, Zemarites,

a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into and Hamathites. The Canaanite clans eventually
the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they spread out, 19 and the territory of Canaan extended

looked the other way so they would not see him naked. from Sidon in the north toGerar and Gaza in
24 When Noah woke up from his stupor, he learned
the south, and east as far asSodom, Gomorrah,
what Ham, his youngest son, had done. 25 Then he Admah, and Zeboiim, nearLasha.
cursed Canaan, the son of Ham: 20 These were the descendants of Ham, identified

byclan, language, territory, and national identity.

May Canaan be cursed!
May he be the lowest of servants to his relatives. Descendants of Shem
26 Then Noah said,
21 Sons were also born to Shem, the older brother

May the Lord, the God of Shem, be blessed, of Japheth.* Shem was the ancestor of all the
and may Canaan be his servant! descendants of Eber.
22 The descendants of Shem were Elam, Asshur,
27 May God expand the territory of Japheth!

May Japheth share the prosperity of Shem,* Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.
23 The descendants of Aram were Uz, Hul, Gether,
and may Canaan be his servant.

and Mash.
28 Noah lived another 350 years after the great
24 Arphaxad was the father of Shelah,* and Shelah

flood. 29 He lived 950years, and then he died.

was the father of Eber.
25 Eber had two sons. The first was named Peleg

10

This is the account of the families of Shem, (which means division), for during his lifetime
Ham, and Japheth, the three sons of Noah. Many the people of the world were divided into different
children were born to them after the great flood. language groups. His brothers name was Joktan.
26 Joktan was the ancestor of Almodad, Sheleph,

Descendants of Japheth Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

2 The descendants of Japheth were Gomer, Magog,

28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and

Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. Jobab. All these were descendants of Joktan. 30 The

3 The descendants of Gomer were Ashkenaz,

territory they occupied extended from Mesha all
Riphath, and Togarmah. the way to Sephar in the eastern mountains.
4 The descendants of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish,
31 These were the descendants of Shem, identified by

Kittim, and Rodanim.* 5 Their descendants

clan, language, territory, and national identity.
became the seafaring peoples that spread out
to various lands, each identified by its own Conclusion
language, clan, and national identity. 32 These

are the clans that descended from Noahs
sons, arranged by nation according to their lines of
Descendants of Ham descent. All the nations of the earth descended from
6 The descendants of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put,

these clans after the great flood.
and Canaan.
7 The descendants of Cush were Seba, Havilah,

The Tower of Babel
Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The descendants
ofRaamah were Sheba and Dedan.
8 Cush was also the ancestor of Nimrod, who

11 At one time all the people of the world spoke the
same language and used the same words. As
the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in
2

was the first heroic warrior on earth. 9 Since he

the land of Babylonia* and settled there.
was the greatest hunter in the world,* his name 3 They began saying to each other, Lets make

became proverbial. People would say, This man bricks and harden them with fire. (In this region
9:27Hebrew May he live in the tents of Shem.10:4As in some Hebrew manuscripts and Greek version (see also 1Chr 1:7); most Hebrew manuscripts read Dodanim.
10:9Hebrew a great hunter before the Lord; also in 10:9b.10:10Hebrew Shinar.10:11Or From that land Assyria went out.10:14Hebrew Casluhites, from whomthe
Philistines came, and Caphtorites. Compare Jer 47:4; Amos 9:7.10:15Hebrew ancestor of Heth.10:21Or Shem, whose older brother was Japheth.10:24Greek version
readsArphaxad was the father of Cainan, Cainan was the father of Shelah. Compare Luke 3:36.11:2Hebrew Shinar.
21 G e n e sis 1 1 : 3

What We Do for God

GENESIS 11:1-9

ONE OF T H E GR EATEST ENEMIES of the Christian life is the religious life.

Religion is the broad way that most people take, thinking that somehow they can
do something to please God. Christianity is the narrow way that helps us understand
what God has done for us. Religion is made up of rules and regulations and rituals and
responsibilitiesworks done in the hope that when we get to heaven our good deeds
willsomehow outweigh our bad ones. Christianity is based on
faith in a Person and on a relationship with that Person, the One God helps
who died and paid the full penalty for the sins of the whole world.
thosewho
Religion is what I do for God. Christianity is what God has already
done for me. Religion is an effort. Christianity is a gift. cannot help
The reason religion is so appealing to us is that we like feeling themselves.
as if we are giving God a boost. We enjoy talking about all were
doing for God rather than emphasizing what He has done for us. It makes us feel important.
At first, religion might sound like its focused on God. But in the end, its all about usour
achievements, our glory, and our pride.
In Genesis 11, we see one of the earliest attempts to reach God by human effort. I find
in this story three things that happen when we adopt a mindset focused on what we do
forGod:

 We exalt ourselves. The people decide to build a tower so high and so important
that everyone around will see it and take note. They want to fashion something
they can be proud of. What is at the heart of this building project? It is an attitude
that goes something like this: Doing what I want to do will result in being what I
deserve to be. Iwant to build a tower. Why? Because I want to be famous. I ought
to be great. I need that sense of satisfaction that comes from making a name
formyself.
 We leave God out of the picture. The people dont consult God about their building
project or seek His help in the process. In fact, they are disobeying His command
to Noah that people should fill the earth (Gen. 9:1) and are trying to do the exact
opposite (Gen. 11:4).
 We miss Gods help. People with a religious mentality love to quote their favorite
Bibleverse: God helps those who help themselves. But theres just one p roblem
thatverse is not in the Bible. As a matter of fact, nothing like it is in the Bible! God
didnt help the people of Genesis 11 complete their monument to themselves. He
stoppedthem for good. Truth be told, God helps those who cannot help themselves.
God helps those who acknowledge their need for Him and recognize His provision
andpower in theirlives.

If you are a follower of Jesus, let me encourage you not to live your life in religious pride.
If you are struggling with this sin, come back to the cross and find forgiveness, fellowship,
and the joy of a holy and pure walk with Him. Hell forgive you and restore [Link] if you
have never come by faith to Christ, I invite you to accept His gift of gracetoday.
 G e n e sis 1 1 : 4 22

bricks were used instead of stone, and tar was used 20 When Reu was 32years old, he became the father of

for mortar.) 4 Then they said, Come, lets build a great

Serug. 21 After the birth of Serug, Reu lived another

city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the 207years and had other sons and daughters.
sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being 22 When Serug was 30years old, he became the

scattered all over the world. father of Nahor. 23 After the birth of Nahor, Serug

5 But the Lord came down to look at the city and

lived another 200years and had other sons and
the tower the people were building. 6 Look! he said.
daughters.
The people are united, and they all speak the same 24 When Nahor was 29years old, he became the

language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be father of Terah. 25 After the birth of Terah, Nahor

impossible for them! 7 Come, lets go down and con-

lived another 119years and had other sons
fuse the people with different languages. Then they anddaughters.
wont be able to understand each other. 26 After Terah was 70years old, he became the

8 In that way, the Lord scattered them all over the

father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
world, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why

the city was called Babel,* because that is where the The Family of Terah
Lord confused the people with different languages. 27 This is the account of Terahs family. Terah was the

In this way he scattered them all over the world. father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran was
thefather of Lot. 28 But Haran died in Ur of the Chal

The Line of Descent from Shem to Abram deans, the land of his birth, while his father, Terah,
10 This is the account of Shems family.

was still living. 29 Meanwhile, Abram and Nahor both

Two years after the great flood, when Shem was married. The name of Abrams wife was Sarai, and the
100years old, he became the father of* Arphaxad. name of Nahors wife was Milcah. (Milcah and her sis-
11 After the birth of* Arphaxad, Shem lived another
ter Iscah were daughters of Nahors brother Haran.)
500years and had other sons and daughters. 30 But Sarai was unable to become pregnant and had

12 When Arphaxad was 35years old, he became

no children.
the father of Shelah. 13 After the birth of Shelah,

31 One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-

Arphaxad lived another 403years and had other in-law Sarai (his son Abrams wife), and his grandson
sons and daughters.* Lot (his son Harans child) and moved away from Ur of
14 When Shelah was 30years old, he became the

the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan,
father of Eber. 15 After the birth of Eber, Shelah

but they stopped at Haran and settled there. 32 Terah

lived another 403years and had other sons lived for 205years* and died while still inHaran.
anddaughters.
16 When Eber was 34years old, he became the father of

The Call of Abram
Peleg. 17 After the birth of Peleg, Eber lived another

430years and had other sons and daughters.

18 When Peleg was 30years old, he became the father

12 The Lord had said to Abram, Leave your native
country, your relatives, and your fathers family,
and go to the land that I will show you. I will make 2

of Reu. 19 After the birth of Reu, Peleg lived another

you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you
209years and had other sons anddaughters. famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will

11:9Or Babylon. Babel sounds like a Hebrew term that means confusion.11:10Or the ancestor of; also in 11:12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.11:11Or the birth of this ancestor
of; also in 11:13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25.11:12-13Greek version reads 12 When Arphaxad was 135years old, he became the father of Cainan. 13After the birth of Cainan, Arphaxad
lived another 430years and had other sons and daughters, and then he died. When Cainan was 130years old, he became the father of Shelah. After the birth of Shelah, Cainan
lived another 330years and had other sons and daughters, and then he died. Compare Luke 3:35-36.11:32Some ancient versions read 145years; compare 11:26 and 12:4.
LIVING INSIGHTS

ABRAMS FAITH Gen. [Link] I am fascinated Three major areas of blessing form the covenant that God
with Abram first of all because he is called a friend of God, makes with Abram. The first is a promise of national blessing.
which is a unique title (see 2Chr. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23). Abram and Sarai are childless. Abram has never in his life
But I am also attracted to Abrams life because it stands out been the father of even one child, and the Lord is now telling
as an example of what I want more than anythingabsolute him, I will make you into a great nation. Can you imagine?
security in God alone. Abram had a central core that was The second is a promise of personal blessing. Abram will be
unshakable. What a wonderful way to live! You see, whether given divine protection, enormous wealth, and fame. He will
we have our families or theyre taken from us, whether we even be called an honored prince (Gen. 23:6). Genesis
serve in one position or in another altogether, whether we 24:1 tells us that by the time Abram was an old man, the
keep our possessions or lose them all, whether we enjoy Lord had blessed him in every way. The third is a promise of
good health or suffer illness, the central core of our lives international blessing. Those who bless Abram and bless the
remains intact when we have faith in God. nation that will come from him will be blessed by God. God
also warns that there will be serious consequences for those
GODS PROMISES TO ABRAM Gen. 12:1-3 What a
who treat that nation with contempt.
grand promise God makes to Abram! Theologians call this the
Through Jesus Christ, God has grand promises for all
Abrahamic covenant. It is an unconditional c ovenantAbram
who live by faith in Him as Abram did. Trust God, and follow
doesnt have to do anything in order for God to fulfill His part.
Him where He takes you.
23 G e n e sis 1 2 : 3

Get Going
GENESIS 12:1-4

SOM E OF YOU are wrestling with a move that you know is on the horizon. This wrestling
has been going on for a period of time. While you work to hammer your tent pegs down,
God is working to pull them up. Believe me when I tell you that God is going to win.
Some of you need to move. In fact, it may be that staying where you are is an act of
disobedience, and the sooner you move, the better.
When it was time for Abram to move from Ur, somehow, in some supernatural manner,
our glorious God appeared to him (Acts 7:2). Abram received a clear command from God.
But we dont have Gods audible voice today. This is where we struggle. Without seeing a
vision or hearing Gods voice audibly, how do we know if God wants
us to move from this area to that one? Lets get p ractical. Ihave Some of you
identified five things that can help in this process. They have been need to move.
true in my life and in the lives of many others. God may be moving
you to change if you have been experiencing any of these things: Go. Trust Him.
 An increasing uneasiness with your current situation. This might come in the form of
feelings of boredom or completed accomplishment. I have often heard men and women
say, I felt like I had taken it as far as I could take it, and God had something more for me
somewhere else. I call it a gnawing restlessness, almost a detachment from the present
situation. It wont leave us alone.
 A heightening curiosity regarding a new challenge. Strangely, our fear decreases as God
leads us from one place to another. The new challenge wont necessarily be a bigger
one, though it often is, but it will always be a different task. For example, Abram knew
Ur of the Chaldeans, and he knew nothing of the land of Canaan. But God knew all
about that land. Perhaps the new challenge of the future pressed Abram on.
 A decreasing attachment to creature comforts and tangible securities. People who are
willing to go with God and serve Him anywhere have won the battle against material-
ism. They see life beyond possessions. They arent attached to money. A person who is
available and willing to move with God is through playing the game of career advance-
ment. The longer we walk with God, the less those personal perks really matter. Its
about Him, not us.
 A growing desire to obey God at all costs, even when you cant explain it. I have made
moves before that have defied logic. People have cornered me with ironclad logic, and
I have been unable to defend myself. And yet, as I look back and analyze each move,
I realize that each one has represented obedience to God, though I couldnt always
defend them at the moment.
 An inability to turn the thought off. When God is moving us, He wont let our minds
rest. We can be driving when the potential change comes into our minds. We can be
going to sleep when the issue weighs heavily upon us. As we pray and read our Bibles,
the issue seems inescapable. Those are signals we cannot ignore.

If you fit this profile, then our glorious God is most likely urging you and saying, Its time to
move on. If so, you have to go. He will take care of all the other things you dont know how
to handle. Go. Trust Him.
 G e n e sis 1 2 : 4 24

bless those who bless you and curse those who treat Abram and Sarai in Egypt
you with contempt. All the families on earth will be 10 At that time a severe famine struck the land of

blessed through you. anaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where

C
4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed,

he lived as a foreigner. 11 As he was approaching the

and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years border of Egypt, Abram said to his wife, Sarai, Look,
old when he left Haran. 5 He took his wife, Sarai, his

you are a very beautiful woman. 12 When the Egyp-

nephew Lot, and all his wealthhis livestock and tians see you, they will say, This is his wife. Lets kill
all the people he had taken into his household at him; then we can have her! 13 So please tell them you

Haranand headed for the land of Canaan. When are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat
they arrived in Canaan, 6 Abram traveled through the

me well because of their interest in you.
land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside 14 And sure enough, when Abram arrived in Egypt,

the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited everyone noticed Sarais beauty. 15 When the palace

byCanaanites. officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh,

7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, Iwill

their king, and Sarai was taken into his palace.
give this land to your descendants.* And Abram built 16 Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of

an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had hersheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys,
appeared to him. 8 After that, Abram traveled south

male and female servants, and camels.
and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to 17 But the Lord sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh

the west and Ai to the east. There he built another and his household because of Sarai, Abrams wife.
altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped 18 So Pharaoh summoned Abram and accused him

the Lord. 9 Then Abram continued traveling south by

sharply. What have you done to me? he demanded.
stages toward the Negev. Why didnt you tell me she was your wife? 19 Why did

12:7Hebrew seed.
LIVING INSIGHTS

TRUSTING GOD IN CANAAN Gen. 12:4-6 Abram LYING WONT HELP Gen. 12:11-13 When I read these
is starting over again in a new land. While in Canaan, he verses, I want to say No, no, no, Abram, dont tell her that!
would encounter immorality he had never faced in Ur or Dont tell Sarai to lie! But hey, thats what happens when
inHaran. But his love for the Lord would hold him. He you run to Egypt. You start operating in the flesh rather than
trusted in the strength of his God. in the power of faith in God. You start telling white lies or
If you have moved to a new location, you may feel half-truths. Thats what Abram did. Part of his statement was
caught in a precarious situation. After all, youre miles true, of course, but the intention behind the truth was a lie.
away from home and from anybody who knows your A mother once asked her little boy, What is a lie?
name. The tendency is to think you can fall into a sinful He said, A lie is an abomination to the Lord... but a
lifestyle anonymously. But think again. If you have godly very present help in time of need. At first, a lie may seem
roots cultivated by godly parents, you have a rich heritage helpfuleven beneficialbut in time it will backfire on you.
that is not merely your own. Their name is connected It will turn blessing into cursing. You will come to hate the
with yoursand yours with theirswhether they are lie you have told. Tell the truth. It honors God immediately
present or absent. More importantly, you are connected and it hurts you less in the long run.
with the Lord, and His strength can hold you even in a
OFFENDING AN UNBELIEVER Gen. 12:18-20
precariousplace.
Pharaohs question is really a rebuke. There is no reproof
ONLY HUMAN Gen. 12:10-20 Abram was human, just like the rebuke of an unbeliever who points out a lack of
like us (see also Acts 14:15; Jas. 5:17). If you dont keep integrity in a child of God. Think of the marvelous opportu-
that in mind, you might read these verses and begin to nity Abram could have had if he had gone to Egypt Gods
wonder whether Abram was really such a good and godly way. How wonderful a testimony it would have been! God
man after all. Abram was a human, and like us, he wasnt could have used Abram to reach Pharaohs household.
perfect. Abram failed on occasion, just like you and I do Instead, Pharaoh has to say, Get them out ofmy sight.
and just like you and I will. If you try to witness to an unbeliever whos been ripped
We must never forget that even the good and the off by a Christian, you have a tough job. If you meet up with
godly are still human and imperfect. If we place our hero a Pharaoh who has been deceived by a believer, he wont
on a pedestal, he or she will fall off. The result? It will have much time to listen to you. Theres a proverb that says,
leave you disillusioned, disappointed, and hurt. We may An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified
respect or appreciate someone, but we are never to wor- city (Prov. 18:19).
ship anyone but the Lord. That includes our good, godly I wonder how many unbelievers today have been mis
role models. We all start at the same level. We have all treated by Christians. How many bosses have been ripped
been dug out of the same pit by the grace of God. off by Christian employees? How many teachers have
been taken advantage of by Christian students? How many
neighbors have been offended by the Christians who live
next door?
25 G e n e sis 1 2 : 1 9

Building Your Altar

inUnfamiliarTerritory
GENESIS 12:4-9

A BRA M , a man in his midseventies, left the familiar and followed God to the unfamiliar.
Indoing so, Abram faced four perils. You and I also face these challenges when we move
toan unfamiliar place.
The first peril, rootlessness, involves experiencing a break in continuity. When you move
from SpotA to Spot B, you lose the continuity that youve established at Spot A. This can be
disturbing anddisorienting.
Second, loneliness often follows rootlessness. In the place you are leaving, you have
cultivated friendships. But when you go to an unfamiliar place, all you see is a sea of unfamil-
iar faces. You dont know anyones name, and you grieve the loss of former relationships.
Third, insecurity comes when you face the unfamiliar, when you do not know the map
or how to get around. What church should you attend? Which people should you spend time
with? What school should your children attend? All of this ushers in a huge sense of insecurity.
Fourth, uncertainty involves enduring the unexpected. Your neighbors here are not like
the neighbors you had before. Whats more, people dont think like they thought back
home. They dont relate in the same ways or do the same things.
How does a person ever maintain consistency in a move that brings rootlessness,
loneliness, insecurity, and uncertainty? The secret is to maintain a vital connection with the
living God. Abram experienced all of these perils when he moved to Canaan, but he culti-
vated his faith in God and maintained that vital contact. One of the key ways he did this was
by building altars and worshiping the Lord wherever he went.
Building an altar today could mean making time to meet with God. Whatever you call
this time, the important thing is that you make contact with God on a daily basis. When
was the last time that you built an altar? Let me suggest five simple elements essential for
maintaining your connection with God and drawing strength from His presence:
 A place to meet. If you dont have a place to meet, you probably
arent meeting regularly with God. Find a place.
Abram cultivated
 A time to commit. Determine a time when you will meet his faith in God.
regularly with the Lord. It can be any time. But if you dont
He continually
schedule a t imeand protect ityour meetings with God
willbe sporadic. built altars and
 A page to read. Follow a Bible study plan. Select some other worshiped the
good books as well to teach and inspire y oua biography, a
hymnal, or a devotional. Know what you are reading and why. Lord wherever
 A journal to keep. You need a place to write things down. Im hewent.
not referring to a diary, which is a record of what you have
been doing. You need a journala record of what God has been doing. Jot down some
thoughts about your life, your growth, and your connection with God.
 A truth to share. As you spend time with the Almighty, truths will begin to unfold. Then,
as youre talking with a friend on the phone or as you come in contact with people during
the week, share what God is teaching you. It will be a blessing both to you and to them.
I find that if I dont cultivate my altar, it begins to crumble in a matter of days. No one can
build our altars except us. It is intensely personal. Just like Abram, you and I each need
tobuild our own altar and use it every day.
G e n e sis 1 2 : 2 0 26

Making Choices
GENESIS 13:8-13

WH ENE V ER WE MAK E DEC IS IONS about where to go in life, we need to remember the
lessons from Lots poor choice. There are four key words to keep in mind: always, never,
forget, and remember. Lets apply each one.

 Always look beyond the immediate benefits. Lot failed to do this in his selection of
Sodom, and we often blow it in similar ways. One of the major temptations we face each
day is the promise of immediate gratification. We want what we w ant now! We dont
want to save for it, we refuse to work for it, and we especially
cant stand to wait for it. Whats worse, we seldom look beyond Any decision
immediate gratification to what it hides. Were so focused on thattakes us
what we want that we fail to consider what else willcome to
usas a result.
further from
 Never underestimate the impact of the permanent conse- Godis never the
quences. Lot looked and saw how green the valley was, how right decision.
much water flowed into it, and how good it would be for his
cattle. To him it was purely a financial decision. He never once asked himself, I wonder
what the effects on my family will be? Never underestimate the impact of permanent
negative consequences. The benefits will seldom be as good as you expect, and the
consequences will often be worse.
 Forget about pleasing only yourself. Lot focused on what he thought was good for
himself without considering how it would affect others. Whenever I have made a
decision based solely on what was good for me, more pain than pleasure has followed
for me and for others. You might think the decision you face today will only affect
you. Not true. In reality, your choices will affect others as well. No one is completely
independent from others or from the Lord.
 Remember that if the decision is going to take a toll on your walk with God, it is the
wrong decision. Lot didnt consider how his decision was going to impact his relation-
ship with God. Lot only had one thing on his mind when he chose the Jordan Valley: He
only thought about getting rich. He never considered the sinful cities that stood nearby.
He failed to realize that by moving into a new region, he was also moving away from
theinfluence of godliness. In the long run, this took a huge toll on him (see 2Pet. 2:7-8).

Lets apply these four words to decisions we face. For example, you might be presented
with the opportunity for a promotion. Is taking the promotion the right decision? Perhaps.
But maybe not. A promotion can be a great source of blessing. But it can also be a source of
temptation. With more freedom comes less accountability and the need for stronger discipline.
New temptations will arise along with the benefits of a new position. Now, theres nothing
wrong with accepting promotions. After all, the Lord often directs the godly to accept positions
of authority. Whether it means taking a position as a leader, a teacher, or a president, the godly
arent to run from promotions just because the temptations are great. But how sensitive we
must remain to Gods leading when we consider these opportunities! If taking a job, marrying
a mate, pursuing an interest, or making any choice will take us further from God, it is never the
right decision. Never. Considering these four key words will help keep us on the right track.
27 G e n e sis 1 3 : 1 8

you say, She is my sister, and allow me to take her as land you want, and we will separate. If you want the
my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and land to the left, then Ill take the land on the right.
get out of here! 20 Pharaoh ordered some of his men

If you prefer the land on the right, then Ill go to
to escort them, and he sent Abram out of the country, theleft.
along with his wife and all his possessions. 10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the

Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area

Abram and Lot Separate was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the

13 So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into

the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and
allthat they owned. 2 (Abram was very rich in live-

Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before
the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot
chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east

stock, silver, and gold.) 3 From the Negev, they con-

of them. He went there with his flocks and servants
tinued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So

pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved
hadcamped before. 4 This was the same place where

his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among
Abram had built the altar, and there he worshiped the the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area

Lord again. were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against

5 Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also be-

the Lord.
come very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, 14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram,

herds of cattle, and many tents. 6 But the land could

Look as far as you can see in every directionnorth
not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as

and herds living so close together. 7 So disputes broke

far as you can see, to you and your descendants* as a
out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many

that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they can-
in theland.) not be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in

8 Finally Abram said to Lot, Lets not allow this

every direction, for I am giving it to you.
conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After 18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled

all, we are close relatives! 9 The whole countryside is

near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he
open to you. Take your choice of any section of the built another altar to the Lord.
13:15Hebrew seed; also in 13:16.

LIVING INSIGHTS
ABRAMS WEALTH Gen. 13:1-2 Abram is very rich. of his own importance, instead of playing king of the hill,
The Hebrew word here is kabed, which means heavy Abram humbly defers.
inthis case, heavy with riches. We might say that he Are you blessed with this worlds goods? If so, do
was loaded. God has blessed Abram with this worlds yourelease them freely? Are you as known for your
goods in spite of Abrams failures (Gen. 12:10-20). Yes, generosity as you are for your wealth? Or do you pull
Abram is a devout man of God, but the wealth isnt a sign rank?Doyouuse your blessings to exert power and
of Abrams greatness as much as it is evidence of the control overothers?
Lordsblessing. Release! Let it go! I urge you to be generous and use
your blessings to bless others. Thats what Abram did.
ABRAMS WALK Gen. 13:2-4 Abram is now rich, and
we find him walking with the Lord and worshiping God at LOTS TURNING POINT Gen. 13:11 Here Lot makes
the altar he previously built at Bethel. Sometimes we are what I call a turning-point decision. This is a fork in Lots
small-minded and envious toward those who are wealthy. road. This is the first time Lot shows his true colors. On
But remember this: Not all the rich have earned their the face of it, of course, theres nothing earth shattering
wealth deceitfully. Not all the rich are far from God. Not here. Scripture simply states that Lot chose for himself
alllack a prayer life. Lets not be petty in our judgment of the whole Jordan Valley and he and Abram separated.
the wealthy. Some people are godly and are blessed with Bigdeal, right? Yes.
this worlds goods. Abram was both. This decision led to disaster in Lots life: horrendous
moral degeneracy, the demise of his family, and the loss of
ABRAMS MAGNIFICENT RESPONSE Gen. 13:8-13
his wife. His life was irreparably scarred. How simple the
Abrams response to Lot could have been different. He
decision seemed at first: Just settle in a good place to feed
could have said, Look, Im the uncle and youre the nephew.
the livestock. But the implications of that choice were great.
This is my land. The Lord promised it to me, and its mine.
Some of us have faced decisions like Lots. If we have
Im afraid youre going to have to make it on your own
made the wrong decision, we can think back to the fork in
somewhere else!
the road and locate where we made our mistake. We can
Abrams response is impressive. He doesnt reject Lot.
go right back to the source of what got us into the mess.
In fact, he defers to him. He makes an unselfish offer
But this type of reflection also helps us think about how to
andgives Lot first choice of which part of the land to take.
get on the right path. The sooner we do that, the better. Its
Howmagnanimous of Abram! Instead of reminding Lot
never too late to start doing what is right.
 G e n e sis 1 4 : 1 28

Abram Rescues Lot 14 When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had

14 About this time war broke out in the region.

King Amraphel of Babylonia,* King Arioch of
Ellasar, King Kedorlaom er of Elam, and King Tidal
been captured, he mobilized the 318trained men
who had been born into his household. Then he
pursued Kedorlaomers army until he caught up
of Goiim 2 fought against King Bera of Sodom, King

with them at Dan. 15 There he divided his men and

Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King attacked during the night. Kedorlaomers army fled,
Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of
called Zoar). Damascus. 16 Abram recovered all the goods that

3 This second group of kings joined forces in Sid

had been taken, and he brought back his nephew
dim Valley (that is, the valley of the Dead Sea*). 4 For
Lot with his possessions and all the women and
twelve years they had been subject to King Ked othercaptives.
orlaom er, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled
against him. Melchizedek Blesses Abram
5 One year later Kedorlaomer and his allies arrived
17 After Abram returned from his victory over Ked

and defeated the Rephaites at Ashteroth-karnaim, orlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went
the Zuzites at Ham, the Emites at Shaveh-kiriathaim, out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the
6 and the Horites at Mount Seir, as far as El-paran at

Kings Valley).
the edge of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back
18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest

and came to En-mishpat (now called Kadesh) and of God Most High,* brought Abram some bread
conquered all the territory of the Amalekites, and and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this

also the Amorites living in Hazazon-tamar. blessing:

8 Then the rebel kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Ad
Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

mah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also called Zoar) prepared

Creator of heaven and earth.
for battle in the valley of the Dead Sea.* 9 They

20 And blessed be God Most High,

fought against King Kedorlaomer of Elam, King Ti
who has defeated your enemies for you.
dal of Goiim, King Amraphel of Babylonia, and King
Arioch of Ellasarfour kings against five. 10 As it Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the
happened, the valley of the Dead Sea was filled with goods he had recovered.
tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and 21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, Give back

Gomorrah fled, some fell into the tar pits, while the my people who were captured. But you may keep for
rest escaped into the mountains. 11 The victorious
yourself all the goods you have recovered.
invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and 22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, I solemnly

headed for home, taking with them all the spoils of swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven
war and the food supplies. 12 They also captured Lot

and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single

Abrams nephew who lived in Sodomand carried thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you.
off everything heowned. Otherwise you might say, I am the one who made
13 But one of Lots men escaped and reported every

Abram rich. 24 I will accept only what my young war-

thing to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the riors have already eaten, and I request that you give
oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre a fair share of the goods to my alliesAner, Eshcol,
and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abrams allies. and Mamre.
14:1Hebrew Shinar; also in 14:9.14:3Hebrew Salt Sea.14:8Hebrew Siddim Valley (see 14:3); also in 14:10.14:18Hebrew El-Elyon; also in 14:19, 20, 22.
LIVING INSIGHTS

ABRAM RESCUES LOT Gen. 14:13-16 When Abram A HUMBLE HERO Gen. 14:17-24 How many war heroes
heard of Lots distress, he could have responded with are truly humble? Among those who accomplish great feats,
indifference. He could have thought, So what? Hes the one how many avoid the limelight? Too few, Im afraid. Abram,
whos in trouble. Ive got my own problems to deal with here. on the other hand, saw himself as a servant of the living
Or Abram could have responded with criticism: Well, he God. He had no place in his mind for worldly glory. Instead
finally got what he deserves. I hope he learns his lesson, he wanted all glory to go to his God, the One who had given
the greedy little scamp! him the strength and the victory. Abram knew that the true
Abram even could have responded with pride: Im not hero in every battle is God.
at all surprised. I told him. I warned him this would happen How would we respond in such a situation? Honestly,
if he lived down there among all those sinners. But Lot most of us would jockey for the place where we could gain
wouldnt listen, and now hes going to have to learn his the most recognition. In our hearts, we long for people to
lesson the hard way. know all the good things we have done. But if we see God
But Abram does none of that. He refuses to respond as the true hero, we can step aside with genuine gratitude
with indifference, criticism, or pride. Instead, he pursues and let the glory go to Him. All of it.
his nephew and rescues him from captivity. What amazing
humility! He is willing to sacrifice for a relative in need.
29 G e n e sis 1 4 : 2 4

What Gives Someone Greatness

GENESIS 14

WE USE the word great so often that it sometimes loses its significance. Truth be told, few
people or events would qualify as great in the true sense of the word. When I think of
someone who has the qualities of greatness, four characteristics come to mind. All four are
found in the life of Abram:

 Genuine unselfishness. A person who has greatness refuses to hold tightly to his or
her own possessions. Such a person is characterized by willingness to release, open
generosity, and selfless motives in making decisions. When you are with a great
person, you dont sense that they desire to hold on to things. Instead, you see them
giving things away. Most of us, by contrast, are pretty selfish. If things get tight, we
tend to hold and hoard our possessions rather than give and
release them. Maintaining an unselfish attitude is a mark of There is depth
greatness. We see this in Abrams release of the land, when
of character
helets Lot choose the best for himself (Gen. 13:9).
 Willingness to sacrifice for others. Great people not only release in a life of
their possessions but also give themselves to others. Greatness greatness.
steps in and assists others in needto the point of sacrifice
without waiting to be asked. Abram exhibits this quality when he hears about the needs
of his nephew in captivity. Without hesitation, Abram takes off. He acts immediately to
rescue Lot (Gen. 14:13-14).
 Purity of motive. We could also call this an absence of greed. A person with greatness
doesnt have a hidden agenda. That person isnt in it just for what they will get out of
it. They arent driven by the desire for money or fame or an expectation of repayment.
Agreat person has pure motives. We see this absence of greed in Abrams life when
he tells the king of Sodom, I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong
from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, I am the one who made Abram
rich (Gen. 14:23).
 Restraint of power. Great people often have authority, yet they refuse to wield that
authority like a sword. They dont threaten or control people with it. Instead, they are
willing to let another person make the decision when appropriate. They affirm the
dignity of others, and sometimes they even fight for it. Humility marks their attitudes.
Greathearted people restrain their power. Abram does this when he refuses to take
the goods the king of Sodom offers. Accepting remuneration is not wrong, per se. But
Abram has a personal conviction that he should not take these goods. At the same
time, he doesnt force that conviction on Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. He is greathearted
enough to come to terms with his own convictions without requiring them of others
(Gen. 14:24).

How are you doing in these areas of greatness? Granted, none of these character traits
are likely to make the headlines. These are not the qualities talked about in high places,
yetthey all wear well in the long run. Why? There is depth of character in a life of greatness.
Greatness is formed as we spend time with God, determine our convictions, and realize
that everything belongs to Him.
 G e n e sis 1 5 : 1 30

The Lords Covenant Promise to Abram

P R AY E R M O M E N T
15
GEN. 14:17-24
Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in
a vision and said to him, Do not be afraid,
Father, thank You for this man, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will
begreat.
Abraham, who didnt bend to the 2 But Abram replied, O Sovereign Lord, what

pressures of theflesh. He did not reach good are all your blessings when I dont even have
into that pile and pull things out. These a son? Since youve given me no children, Eliezer of
Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit
were things, small though they may all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants

have been, that would have broken his of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.
4 Then the Lord said to him, No, your servant will
covenant with You. They would have

not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own
given glory to him that really belonged who will be your heir. 5 Then the Lord took Abram

toYou. Thank You fora man with char- outside and said to him, Look up into the sky and
count the stars if you can. Thats how many descen-
acter likethat. dants you will have!
Thank You also for being such a dear 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord

friend and a shepherd to us. Thank You counted him as righteous because of his faith.
7 Then the Lord told him, I am the Lord who
for developing in our lives, day by day,

brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you

the qualities that please You. Thank this land as your possession.
8 But Abram replied, OSovereign Lord, how can I
You for not giving up on us. You are a

be sure that I will actually possess it?

patient Father. 9 The Lord told him, Bring me a three-year-old

Who we are when no one is looking heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old
is who we really are. Give us genuine ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. 10 So Abram

presented all these to him and killed them. Then he

character deep down. In the privacy cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves
andsecrecy of our lives, give us pure side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half.
11 Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses,
motives. Help us to make good d ecisions.

but Abram chased them away.

Bring us again to the altar, where we 12 As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a

meet with You to come to terms with deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down
over him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, You can
life. I pray this through Jesus Christ our

be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a

[Link]. foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves
LIVING INSIGHTS

GODS WAITING ROOM Gen. 15:1-6 God made a character through the process of waiting. So we wait, and
promise to Abram. The problem? God didnt fulfill it right we wait, and we wait.
away. Abram had to wait almost twenty-five years for the I have learned that when I wait, I change. On occasion,
promise to come to pass! People often think that when I have even discovered that what I had asked God for was
God promises something, He plans to fulfill it right away. pretty selfishand frankly, it wasnt Gods plan at all. As it
But more often than not, there is a delay between the turns out, the fulfillment is so much better when we have
promise and the fulfillment. Make no mistakeGod will waited over a period of time.
fulfill His promises to us, but He may not do so in our Trust God. Wait on Him. He has not forgotten you.
timing. Most often, infact, He doesnt.
COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUS Gen. 15:6 The word
Some of us are sitting in Gods waiting room right now.
counted is a financial term. To an ancient accountant,
We have asked the Lord for something and felt certain that
theword meant credited to someones account.
He said yes. The problem? God didnt fulfill it right away.
Abram believed God, and as a result, God credited
Like Abram, we often begin to doubt as we wait for God.
righteousness to Abrams spiritual account. God said to
Our mind starts to play tricks on us. We start asking, Did
him, in effect, Give Me your checkbook. God then wrote,
I understand correctly? Did God really say yes? Has He
Credited to Abrams account: My perfect righteousness.
changed His mind?
At the very moment Abram believed, he was credited
No, God hasnt canceled the plan. He has just delayed
with [Link] same happens for us when we
it. Gods timetable rarely follows ours. He ignores both our
believe Gods message. The method of becoming righteous
clock and our calendar. Thats because God has a plan all
before God has not changed. It has always been by grace
His owna far better plan. It may be that He is building our
throughfaith in God.
31 G e n e sis 1 6 : 1 3

for 400 years. 14 But I will punish the nation that

she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she
enslaves them, and in the end they will come away was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai,
with great wealth. 15 (As for you, you will die in peace

with contempt. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, This

and be buried at a ripe old age.) 16 After four gen-

is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms,
erations your descendants will return here to this but now that shes pregnant she treats me with
land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant contempt. The Lord will show whos wrongyou
theirdestruction. orme!
17 After the sun went down and darkness fell,
6 Abram replied, Look, she is your servant, so deal

Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch with her as you see fit. Then Sarai treated Hagar so
pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the harshly that she finally ran away.
Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and 7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring

said, I have given this land to your descendants, of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur.
allthe way from the border of Egypt* to the great 8 The angel said to her, Hagar, Sarais servant, where

Euphrates River19 the land now occupied by the

have you come from, and where are yougoing?
Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Per Im running away from my mistress, Sarai, she
izzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girga
replied.
shites, and Jebusites. 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, Return to your

mistress, and submit to her authority. 10 Then he

The Birth of Ishmael added, I will give you more descendants than you

16 Now Sarai, Abrams wife, had not been able to

bear children for him. But she had an Egyp-
tian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram,

can count.
11 And the angel also said, You are now pregnant

and will give birth to a son. You are to name him

The Lord has prevented me from having children. Ishmael (which means God hears), for the Lord has
Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will

children through her. And Abram agreed with Sa be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will
rais proposal. 3 So Sarai, Abrams wife, took Hagar

raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be
the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against
(This happened ten years after Abram had settled in all his relatives.
the land of Canaan.) 13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to

4 So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and

the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, You are the
15:18Hebrew the river of Egypt, referring either to an eastern branch of the Nile River or to the Brook of Egypt in the Sinai (see Num 34:5).

LIVING INSIGHTS
GOD IS GODAND WE ARE NOT Gen. 15:12-21 of people will form agreat nation. God has even made a
Centuries beforehand, God revealed to Abram that his covenant with Abram. But Abram and Sarai have been wait-
descendants would become slaves. Abrams descendants ing and waiting, and no baby has come. Enter impatience.
would later journey to Egypt during the lifetime of Joseph There was a custom in that day that if a wife could
as a result of a famine. Later they would be forced to serve not bear a child, she could select a servant girl for
the Egyptians as slaves. God gave Abram a very clear her husband to marry who would serve as a surrogate
presentation of the future. mother. The child born to the servant would belong to
We need the continual reminder that God is G od a nd thefirst wife.
we are not. The Almighty is not biting His nails. The Lord But just because something is socially acceptable
is not worried or confused when He sees the nightly doesnt make it part of Gods plan. He often rejects social
news. He knows exactly what is coming just as clearly as customs. In this case, God has given no directive at all.
we know what happened a moment ago. Our future is as Sarai simply speaks to Abram, and Abram agrees. Done
clear to the Lord as our past is clear to us. deal. But no one asks Gods opinion. No one seeks the
Its important to remember this in the times when Lords counsel in any part of chapter 16. The lack of prayer
you dont understand what is happening or why God has is pregnant with lessons.
allowed you to be where you are. Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks
RUNNING AWAY Gen. 16:6-8 Hagar was running
eloquently of what to do in times like these: Trust in the
from a situation so terrible she would rather be anywhere
Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own under-
else. It was then the angel of the Lord found her. How
standing. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you
merciful and gracious of our God to seek her out and
which path to take. God loves it when we trust Him like
speak to her.
this! He is Godand we are not.
Perhaps you understand what it means to run for your
A HUMAN SOLUTION Gen. 16:1-3 At the outset of life. In those moments, remember, no matter where you
Genesis 16, we see a classic example of impatience. run or why youre running, you will never get out of the sight
Abram is eighty-five and Sarai is seventy-five, and they of God. He will be there for you and will be with you as
have been married along time. God has clearly and yourecover.
repeatedly promised Abram a son from whom a multitude
 G e n e sis 1 6 : 1 4 32

God who sees me.* She also said, Have I truly seen you. 8 And I will give the entire land of Canaan,

the One who sees me? 14 So that well was named Beer-

where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your
lahai-roi (which means well of the Living One who sees descendants. It will be their possession forever, and
me). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. I will be their God.
15 So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named

him Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when

The Mark of the Covenant
Ishmael was born. 9 Then God said to Abraham, Your responsibility is to

obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your de-
Abram Is Named Abraham scendants have this continual responsibility. 10 This

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the

Lord appeared to him and said, I am El-
ShaddaiGod Almighty. Serve me faithfully and
is the covenant that you and your descendants must
keep: Each male among you must be circumcised.
11 You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a

live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with

sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 From

you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless generation to generation, every male child must be
descendants. circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This ap-
3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then

plies not only to members of your family but also to
God said to him, 4 This is my covenant with you: I will

the servants born in your household and the foreign-
make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5Whats
born servants whom you have purchased. 13 All must

more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of
Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham,* for you my everlasting covenant. 14 Any male who fails to be

will be the father of many nations. 6 I will make you ex-

circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family
tremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many for breaking thecovenant.
nations, and kings will be among them!
7 I will confirm my covenant with you and your

Sarai Is Named Sarah
descendants* after you, from generation to genera- 15 Then God said to Abraham, Regarding Sarai, your

tion. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always ifeher name will no longer be Sarai. From now on
w
be your God and the God of your descendants after her name will be Sarah.* 16 And I will bless her and

16:13Hebrew El-roi.17:5Abram means exalted father; Abraham sounds like a Hebrew term that means father of many.17:7Hebrew seed; also in 17:7b, 8, 9, 10, 19.
17:15Sarai and Sarah both mean princess; the change in spelling may reflect the difference in dialect between Ur and Canaan.
LIVING INSIGHTS

NAMING THE PLACE Gen. 16:14 The name of the Maybe God has left. Perhaps you have driven Him away.
well,Beer-lahai-roi, means well of the Living One who No,He hasnt moved. Silence doesnt mean absence or
seesme. Earlier, it was simply a spring of water in the apathy. God is there. God is working. He is involved. When
wilderness, along the road to Shur (Gen. 16:7). Now it the time is right, He will prove His word. That is what He
hada special name. The name of the well reminds us didfor Abram. He will do it for you, too.
ofwhat Hagar learned while she was there.
LISTENING TO GOD Gen. 17:3-8 When God spoke,
When God meets with you at a special place and for
Abram fell face down on the ground and listened. Abram
aspecial reason, its appropriate to give that place a s pecial
got a lot by listening to God. He received the reassurance of
name. It might be a place where you return regularly on
Gods covenant with him. He took on a new identityfather
retreat. Perhaps it is a location where God gave you a sense
of a multitude of nations. God even gave him a new n ame
of reassurance, forgiveness, or simply the hope to press on.
Abraham rather than Abram. He received reassurance about
The place and its name can serve as a reminder of Gods
the extent of his influence. God speaks to us through His
presence. They can help you to remember what God has
Word, and the benefits of listening to Him are huge: He
doneand still does. He seesyou.
gives us a new identity, and we become ready to do what
THE YEARS BETWEEN Gen. 17:1 At the end of Hecalls us to do. When was the last time you were on your
Genesis16, Abram is an eighty-six-year-old man. By the face before God to listen toHis Word?
beginning of Genesis17, hes one year shy of one hun-
WRESTLING WITH GOD Gen. 17:15-22 God tells
[Link] thirteen years of silence! Nothing occurred
Abraham that Sarah will bear Abrahams son. Abraham does
that wassignificant enough for the Holy Spirit to move
exactly what you or I would have done: He laughs! Abraham
thewriterto record it. Think about that.
isnt quite sure what to think. He is wrestling with God, but
Sometimes we get the impression that something is
not in rebellion. Hes wrestling to make sense of what makes
wrong if God doesnt pull off a miracle every week. We want
no sense at all! Hes wondering, How can thisbe?
to sense His presence regularly. We want to be in touch
You will experience times like this in your walk with God.
with God like Abram was. But sometimes years go by and it
You will sense Gods movement upon your lifeperhaps
seems to us like nothing especially significant is happening.
something involving your career or your future. You may
But were wrong. There is a deepening of our roots, a water-
begin to ask, How can this be? What is this about? You
ing of the soil, a waiting on God and growing in maturity.
arewrestling for clarity regarding Gods plan. God will give
I suspect you are there right now. Youre waiting on God.
it to you, just like He gave it to Abraham.
You may even be thinking there must be something wrong.
33 G e n e sis 1 7 : 1 6

Walking With God

GENESIS 17

CH RISTIA NS often talk about walking with God, so much so that these words can easily
become clich. But our walk with God isnt something we should take for granted. It takes
effort, commitment, and intentionality. I have found three truths that remain essential in our
walk with God:
First, walking with God involves wrestling with Him for clarification. Getting clarity takes
time. Finding it is often done alone, as you discern what is essential and what is incidental.
Do you still wrestle with God? The Lord invites us to converse with him. Come now,
lets settle this, He says. Lets work this out. Lets reason it out
(see Isa. 1:18). This wrestling isnt a fight but an intense conversa- When you
tion. The aim is to find clarity about Gods plan.
meet with
Second, walking with God means listening for specific changes
of direction. When you meet with God and take time to listen to God, He will
Him, He will occasionally break through the familiar and reveal a occasionally
surprising plan for you. I can say from experience that when I spend
time with the Lord, I get fresh and creative thoughts. I get new
break through
ideas andfresh direction. He even stirs up my emotions. the familiar
When you regularly spend time with the Lord, you will discover
and reveal a
things in your life that need to be fine-tunedor even radically
changed. surprising plan
Third, walking with God means being quiet so that God can for you.
speak. Many of us feel the incessant urge to stay busy, to keep
active, to accomplish more, and to get things done. I was raised like that, and Iunderstand
that mindset. It is all about staying productive. Of course, theres certainly nothing wrong
with getting things done. But the danger comes when a super-active lifestyle is the norm.
Ihave had to force myself to realize the importance of balancing times of work with times
of refreshment. Both are productive. Both are essential.
If you dont spend time being quiet with God, you cant hear what He has to say.
You wont know how He wants to change your life. You wont discern His promises. Your
assurance about tomorrow will seem weak. A guilty conscience will plague you. You and
God wont seem like friends. Instead itll feel like He is some alien force, and you will feel
strange around Him. Abraham is called the friend of God partly because he spent time
with God (Jas.2:23).
What happens when we walk with God?

 First, the discipline of silence increases our sensitivity. When I am always moving fast,
always making noise, always being active, I become insensitive. But when I am quiet,
the veneer is peeled away. I become more sensitive to God.
 Second, the reassurance of His will decreases our anxiety. When I spend time with
God, my anxiety is washed away.
 Third, the submission of obedience proves our humility. When I do what God says,
Iprove to Him I am willing to submit to His will. I listen to Him and obey. This interaction
solidifies our relationship and brings us into closer communion.
 G e n e sis 1 7 : 1 7 34

give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and a while. 4 Rest in the shade of this tree while water is

she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of brought to wash your feet. 5 And since youve honored

nations will be among her descendants. your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food
17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but

to refresh you before you continue on your journey.
he laughed to himself in disbelief. How could I be- All right, they said. Do as you have said.
come a father at the age of 100? he thought. And 6 So Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah,

how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years Hurry! Get three large measures* of your best flour,
old? 18 So Abraham said to God, May Ishmael live

knead it into dough, and bake some bread. 7 Then

under your special blessing! Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf
19 But God replied, NoSarah, your wife, will give

and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.
birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac,* and 8 When the food was ready, Abraham took some yo-

I will confirm my covenant with him and his descen- gurt and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it
dants as an everlasting covenant. 20 As for Ishmael,
to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them in
Iwill bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make the shade of the trees.
him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. 9 Where is Sarah, your wife? the visitors asked.

He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will Shes inside the tent, Abraham replied.
make him a great nation. 21 But my covenant will be
10 Then one of them said, I will return to you

confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will
Sarah about this time next year. 22 When God had
have ason!
finished speaking, he left Abraham. Sarah was listening to this conversation from the
23 On that very day Abraham took his son, Ishmael,

tent. 11 Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this

and every male in his household, including those born time, and Sarah was long past the age of having chil-
there and those he had bought. Then he circumcised dren. 12 So she laughed silently to herself and said,

them, cutting off their foreskins, just as God had told How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such
him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he

pleasure, especially when my mastermy husband
was circumcised, 25 and Ishmael, his son, was thirteen.

is also so old?
26 Both Abraham and his son, Ishmael, were circum-
13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, Why did Sarah

cised on that same day, 27 along with all the other men

laugh? Why did she say, Can an old woman like me
and boys of the household, whether they were born have a baby? 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord?

there or bought as servants. All were circumcised Iwill return about this time next year, and Sarah will
withhim. have a son.
15 Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, I

A Son Is Promised to Sarah didnt laugh.

18 The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the

oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abra
ham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the
But the Lord said, No, you did laugh.

Abraham Intercedes for Sodom

hottest part of the day. 2 He looked up and noticed
16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked

three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with
ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low them to send them on their way.
to the ground. 17 Should I hide my plan from Abraham? the Lord

3 My lord, he said, if it pleases you, stop here for

asked. 18 For Abraham will certainly become a great

17:19Isaac means he laughs.18:6Hebrew 3seahs, about half a bushel or 22liters.

LIVING INSIGHTS

GOD IS HERE Gen. 18:1-15 The Lord appeared again the opposite extreme and dismiss all of them. I confess,
to Abraham (Gen. 18:1). God appears in our lives with- I used to be skeptical of such experiences. But the older
out announcementand in the most beautiful ways. Well I get, the less suspicious I am, especially when people of
sense His presence in a song that someone will be sing- integrity explain specific events in their lives that bore the
ing, in the quiet sunrise, in the beauty and fragrance of a marks of the supernatural. Im convinced God still visits
flower, or in a passage of Scripture we pause to read in His people today in remarkable ways. It is the exception
the early morning hour. Watch for God. If youre too busy rather than the rule, but He does it. The New Testament
to see Him in your day, youre just too busy. Hes there. affirms that there are occasions when we do, in fact,
entertain angels without realizing it (Heb. 13:2).
WAITING ON THE SUPERNATURAL Gen. 18:1-2
Idoubt Abraham realizes right away that he is standing inthe WALK WITH GOD Gen. 18:16-21 When you walk with
presence of angelic beings. He simply runs to welcome them God, sometimes He reveals His plans to you. You dont only
and then graciously makes arrangements to feed these have to get them secondhand from someone else who
threemen. Yet they are much more than ordinary guests. walks with God. Walk with God daily, and you will discover
We can wade into troubled waters if we wait all our that He will give you some of the most remarkable insights
lives for supernatural experiences. But we can also go to in life.
35 G e n e sis 1 9 : 5

and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will pleaded. Let me speaksuppose only thirty righ-
be blessed through him. 19 I have singled him out so

teous people are found?
that he will direct his sons and their families to keep And the Lord replied, I will not destroy it if I
the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. findthirty.
Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised. 31 Then Abraham said, Since I have dared to speak

20 So the Lord told Abraham, I have heard a great

to the Lord, let me continuesuppose there are only
outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin twenty?
is so flagrant. 21 I am going down to see if their actions

And the Lord replied, Then I will not destroy it for
are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want toknow. the sake of the twenty.
22 The other men turned and headed toward Sod
32 Finally, Abraham said, Lord, please dont be

om, but the Lord remained with Abraham. 23 Abra

angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only
ham approached him and said, Will you sweep away ten are found there?
both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose you
And the Lord replied, Then I will not destroy it for
find fifty righteous people living there in the city the sake of the ten.
will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their 33 When the Lord had finished his conversation

sakes? 25 Surely you wouldnt do such a thing, de-

with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham re-
stroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, turned to his tent.
you would be treating the righteous and the wicked
exactly the same! Surely you wouldnt do that! Should Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?
26 And the Lord replied, If I find fifty righteous

people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for

19 That evening the two angels came to the en-
trance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting
there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet
theirsake. them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his
27 Then Abraham spoke again. Since I have begun,

face to the ground. 2 My lords, he said, come to my

let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the
dust and ashes. 28 Suppose there are only forty-five

night. You may then get up early in the morning and
righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy be on your way again.
the whole city for lack of five? Oh no, they replied. Well just spend the night
And the Lord said, I will not destroy it if I find out here in the city square.
forty-five righteous people there. 3 But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with

29 Then Abraham pressed his request further.

him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with
Suppose there are only forty? fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate. 4 But

And the Lord replied, I will not destroy it for the before they retired for the night, all the men of
sake of the forty. Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city
30 Please dont be angry, my Lord, Abraham

and surrounded the house. 5 They shouted to Lot,

LIVING INSIGHTS
TALK TO GOD Gen. 18:22-32 For Abraham, prayer was immorality. If you touch it, you get muddy. You will not clean
simply talking to God. He dialogued with God and reasoned up the mess. Instead, you will become immersed in it and
with Himhe battled on his knees. We need to talk to God like contaminated by it.
that. Some people live in bitterness because they fail to talk
SITTING AT THE GATE Gen. 19:1 Lot is sitting at
to God about what is happening and what is of concern to
the entrance of the city of Sodom, or as its sometimes
them. Instead they blame others, and occasionally they blame
translated, sitting at the gate of Sodom. This reveals
themselves. Dont go there. Talk to God instead, and tell Him
that Lot holds a place of authority in the city. Lot has not
what you are experiencing. Then listen for His answers.
only moved to Sodomhe has settled there. He has even
WAIT ON GOD Gen. 18:33 Gods plan is greater than our become one of the leaders in the community. This is why
pleas. God would rescue L otbut not by sparing Sodom as hesits at the gate, perhaps for the purpose of judging
Abraham requests. Abrahams heart is saying, Idont want Lot situations or giving counsel to those who need it.
to die. I dont want him to be destroyed. Icare about him. I
DEPRAVITY IS EVERYWHERE Gen. 19:5-9 We think
love my nephew, Lot. Lord, please dont destroy Sodom and
of Sodom as a place rife with immorality. Thats true. But
Gomorrah. Abrahams concern for Sodom is his concern for
depravity is everywhere humanity is. No exceptions. As the
Lot and his family. God hears Abrahams heart and answers
apostle John would later write, the world is full of a craving
him as he waits ontheLord.
for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and
MUDDY GLOVES Gen. 19:1-14 Lot was ill equipped
to pride in our achievements and possessions (1Jn.2:16).
deal with the immorality of Sodom. He failed to realize that Just by living, we inhale depravitys toxic fumes. We cant
when you toy with immorality, you lose. escape it. We could live on the most remote island in the
I like to think of it this way. What happens if you put on world, and sin would still be there. We do well to recognize
white gloves and then go out to play in the mud? The mud the depravity of Sodom. But we also must recognize deprav-
never gets glovey. Ive never seen glovey mud in all my ity in all its formsincluding the sin livinginside each of us.
life. No, the gloves always get muddy. Its the same with We are not immune to the temptations ofSodom.
 G e n e sis 1 9 : 6 36

Where are the men who came to spend the night And dont look back or stop anywhere in the valley!
with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex Escape to the mountains, or you will be sweptaway!
with them! 18 Oh no, my lord! Lot begged. 19 You have been

6 So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting

so gracious to me and saved my life, and you have
the door behind him. 7 Please, my brothers, he

shown such great kindness. But I cannot go to the
begged, dont do such a wicked thing. 8 Look, I have

mountains. Disaster would catch up to me there,
two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and I would soon die. 20 See, there is a small village

and you can do with them as you wish. But please, nearby. Please let me go there instead; dont you see
leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are how small it is? Then my life will be saved.
under my protection. 21 All right, the angel said, I will grant your re-

9 Stand back! they shouted. This fellow came

quest. I will not destroy the little village. 22 But hurry!

to town as an outsider, and now hes acting like our Escape to it, for I can do nothing until you arrive
judge! Well treat you far worse than those other men! there. (This explains why that village was known as
And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door. Zoar, which means little place.)
10 But the two angels* reached out, pulled Lot into
23 Lot reached the village just as the sun was ris-

the house, and bolted the door. 11 Then they blinded

ing over the horizon. 24 Then the Lord rained down

all the men, young and old, who were at the door of fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and
the house, so they gave up trying to get inside. Gomorrah. 25 He utterly destroyed them, along with

12 Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. Do you

the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out
have any other relatives here in the city? they asked. all the people and every bit of vegetation. 26 But Lots

Get them out of this placeyour sons-in-law, sons, wife looked back as she was following behind him,
daughters, or anyone else. 13 For we are about to

and she turned into a pillar of salt.
destroy this city completely. The outcry against this 27 Abraham got up early that morning and hurried

place is so great it has reached the Lord, and he has out to the place where he had stood in the Lords
sent us to destroy it. presence. 28 He looked out across the plain toward

14 So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters fiancs,

Sodom and Gomorrah and watched as columns
Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy of smoke rose from the cities like smoke from a
it. But the young men thought he was only joking. furnace.
15 At dawn the next morning the angels became
29 But God had listened to Abrahams request and

insistent. Hurry, they said to Lot. Take your wife kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that
and your two daughters who are here. Get out right engulfed the cities on the plain.
now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of
the city! Lot and His Daughters
16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his
30 Afterward

Lot left Zoar because he was afraid of
hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters the people there, and he went to live in a cave in the
and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the mountains with his two daughters. 31 One day the

Lord was merciful. 17 When they were safely out of

older daughter said to her sister, There are no men
the city, one of the angels ordered, Run for your lives! left anywhere in this entire area, so we cant get
19:10Hebrew men; also in 19:12, 16.
LIVING INSIGHTS

LOT HESITATED Gen. 19:16 Lot doesnt really take LONGING TO GO BACK Gen. 19:26 Lots wife was
Godseriously. If he did, he wouldnt still be living in Sodom. fleeing with her family, but she was the last one to go.
But even now, Lot still hesitated. He had a lot invested in Eventhough she had heard the angel clearly say, Dont
thatplace. look back, she turned around and looked.
If I come to you and say, I just heard the warningan I dont think she looked back out of curiosity. I think it
earthquake is only three minutes away! So get out or youll stemmed from longing. She had bought into the corrupt
be destroyed! you dont hesitate. Immediately, you get in lifestyle of Sodom, and already she missed what she had
your car, you put the pedal to the metal, and you get out as become so accustomed to.
fast as you can. That is, unless you dont take me seriously. There are times when it is unhealthy to look back. Wisdom
Then you hesitate. demands we press on in the path of righteousness. Why?
Are you taking sin seriously? Are you clinging to things Because something tragic occurs in us when we fan the
that are systematically destroying you? If you continue, you flames of an old lust and linger over the pleasurable scenes
will destroy your home, annihilate your relationships, and of a lifestyle that was ruining us.
isolate yourself. If you keep returning to these sins because If, by the grace of God, He leads you out of a lifestyle of
of the pleasure they bringeven though the pleasure ends wrong, you will only hinder your recovery by looking back in
shortly after youve indulged in themyou dont really longing. Theres something about a second glanceabout
believe the warnings youve heard. lingering over a selective memorythat makes us weak
against the pull of what we left behind.
37 G e n e sis 2 0 : 3

married like everyone else. And our father will soon 36 As a result, both of Lots daughters became preg-

be too old to have children. 32 Come, lets get him

nant by their own father. 37 When the older daugh-

drunk with wine, and then we will have sex with him. ter gave birth to a son, she named him Moab.* He
That way we will preserve our family line through became the ancestor of the nation now known as
ourfather. the Moabites. 38 When the younger daughter gave

33 So that night they got him drunk with wine, and

birth to a son, she named him Ben-ammi.* He be-
the older daughter went in and had intercourse with came the ancestor of the nation now known as the
her father. He was unaware of her lying down or get- Ammonites.
ting up again.
34 The next morning the older daughter said to her

Abraham Deceives Abimelech
younger sister, I had sex with our father last night.
Lets get him drunk with wine again tonight, and you
go in and have sex with him. That way we will pre-
20 Abraham moved south to the Negev and
lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur,
and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there
serve our famil y line through our father. 35 So that as a foreigner, 2 Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah,

night they got him drunk with wine again, and the by saying, She is my sister. So King Abimelech of
younger daughter went in and had intercourse with Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at
him. As before, he was unaware of her lying down or his palace.
getting up again. 3 But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream

19:37Moab sounds like a Hebrew term that means from father.19:38Ben-ammi means son of my kinsman.

LIVING INSIGHTS
TAKING SODOM OUT OF PEOPLE Gen. 19:30-38 DISOBEDIENCE DJ VU Gen. 20:1-2 In Genesis 20,
Bythe time Lot and his daughters have gotten out of our friend Abraham is doing the very same thing he did
Sodom, they have already deteriorated morally. Neither twenty-five years earlier (Gen. 12:10-20). He tells a lie. You
of the young women hesitate over the immorality of their would have thought Abraham had learned his lesson! But
decision. It isnt even a question. They arent used to here he is with a different ruler, the king of Gerar instead
discussions about moral restraint. They were reared in of the pharaoh, and he is doing the exact same thing. Its
Sodom by a distracted father and a compromising m other, disobedience dj vu all over again.
both absorbed in the immoral lifestyle. The daughters Abraham isnt the only one returning to the same sin
actions in the cave are simply an outworking of the moral again and again. Look back in your own life at the past few
deterioration that had taken its toll on Lotshome. days or weeks. You and I return to the same patterns of sin.
You can take people out of Sodom, but taking Sodom We bring the same things before the Lord again and again,
out of people is a different matter. Those who have dont we? It is easy to say, Abraham, you should have
imbibed an immoral lifestyle need something more than known better! It is more difficult, however, to learn these
achange of location. They need a change of heart by basic lessons ourselves.
Gods Spirit. Never underestimate your own weaknesses. If youre an
alcoholic, its foolish to rent an apartment above a bar. In fact,
INCEST IN THE HOME Gen. 19:30-38 Incest is rarely
you should even stay away from the smell of alcohol. Why?
a one-time act. It may be occurring in your home or the
So you can live your life free of the addiction. If youre given
home of someone you know. You may be a victim and
to lust, its wise to limit your private access to the Internet
you dont know what to do. You may be a member of the
and the possibility of getting onto pornographic sites. If youre
family and realize that one parent is looking the other
addicted to food, its unwise to eat at one a ll-you-can-eat
way, enabling this to happen.
buffet after another. My friend, if you know you have a weak-
Incest is an immoral and criminal act. It leads to confu-
ness, stay away from it. Learn to use one of those simple
sion, heartbreaking mental illness, and lifelong struggles.
words you learned as you first began to talk: No!
If you or someone you know is a victim of incest, you must
talk with someone you trusta teacher, a relative, a profes- LEANING ON SELF Gen. 20:1-2 Abraham had a sharp
sional, a pastor. It must be stopped. Do not let it continue. mind. But unfortunately, he allowed it to work against him. He
It will be repeated if it isnt stopped. abused his gift. He concocted this phony story about Sarah.
I have no greater enemy in my life than the beast that
ABSENT DIVINE PERSPECTIVE Gen. 19:31-32
lives within me, the fallen nature within my heart. If Im not
Thereis an absence of divine perspective in this scene.
careful, it will bring me down, ruin my reputation, and lead
There is no prayer, no time spent waiting on God, no
to all kinds of embarrassment.
request that the Lord bring husbands for the daughters.
We are our own worst enemies when we devise schemes
Lacking divine perspective, Lots daughters choose to
like Abraham did. I dont know who Abimelech may be in
do what is unnatural. No inner restraint surfaces from
your life, or where Gerar may be for you. But I know that if
either daughter, younger or older. Neither one says to the
you rely on the crutch of using quick thinking to sidestep
other, This is not right! That is what can happen without
truth, this sin will take its toll. Refuse to lean on it, be
divineperspective.
honest about your sin, claim Gods forgiveness, and ask
forstrength to resist it next time.
 G e n e sis 2 0 : 4 38

and told him, You are a dead man, for that woman goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he
you have taken is already married! presented them to Abraham. He also returned his
4 But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he
wife, Sarah, to him. 15 Then Abimel ech said, Look

said, Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? over my land and choose any place where you would
5 Didnt Abraham tell me, She is my sister? And she
like to live. 16 And he said to Sarah, Look, I am giving

herself said, Yes, he is my brother. I acted in com- your brother 1,000 pieces of silver* in the presence
plete innocence! My hands are clean. of all these witnesses. This is to compensate you for
6 In the dream God responded, Yes, I know you are
any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any
innocent. Thats why I kept you from sinning against claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.
me, and why I did not let you touch her. 7 Now return
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed

the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they
for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you dont could have children. 18 For the Lord had caused all

return her to him, you can be sure that you and all the women to be infertile because of what happened
your people will die. with Abrahams wife, Sarah.
8 Abimel ech got up early the next morning and

quickly called all his servants together. When he told The Birth of Isaac
them what had happened, his men were terrified.
9 Then Abimelech called for Abraham. What have

you done to us? he demanded. What crime have I

21 The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah
exactly what he had promised. She became
pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in
2

committed that deserves treatment like this, making his old age. This happened at just the time God had
me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac.

should ever do what you have done! 10 Whatever pos-

4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circum-

sessed you to do such a thing? cised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was

11 Abraham replied, I thought, This is a godless

100years old when Isaac was born.
place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get 6 And Sarah declared, God has brought me laugh-

her. 12 And she really is my sister, for we both have

ter.* All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who

the same father, but different mothers. And I mar- would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a
ried her. 13 When God called me to leave my fathers
baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!
home and to travel from place to place, I told her, Do
me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am Hagar and Ishmael Are Sent Away
your brother. 8 When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned,

14 Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and

Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the
20:16Hebrew 1,000 [shekels] of silver, about 25pounds or 11.4kilograms in weight.21:6The name Isaac means he laughs.
LIVING INSIGHTS

OUT OF OUR CONTROL Gen. 20:6-7 Dont think for GOD WILL RESCUE Gen. 21:8-21 Beersheba lies in
a moment that Gods power is limited to your involvement the midst of the dry, barren wilderness known as the Negev.
or presence. You may have to trust God with someone you After many miles of parched desert, hot flint, and gravel,
cannot see and over whom you have no control. Perhaps Hagars water container was empty. So she left her boy
it is a grown child finding his or her own way in life. Maybe under one of the bushes to die.
you have a former mate making decisions that could affect If you are a single parent, you understand what its
your future. You may be estranged from someone important liketo be in the wilderness of Beersheba. Whatever
to you, and your next steps are unclear. Dont you think God mayhave been the cause of your single-parent situation,
is powerful enough to deal with that person apart from your you are nevertheless alone. You may have had your baby
presence and control? out of wedlock. Perhaps you married an impossible spouse.
Abraham had no way of knowing what was happening in Whatever your situation, you wound up in the wilderness.
Sarahs life. But God knew. God was in control. His power You, more than most, understand aloneness. You now
is not limited to our sight and knowledge and control. This prepare meals for only you and your child. Your bed is narrow.
is a wonderful truth about Gods sovereignty. Relax. God Holidays make you ache. Your memories seem bleak, and
knows what Hes doing. you struggle to remember the last time you really laughed.
The church seldom addresses your needs from the p ulpit,
NEEDLESS FEAR Gen. 20:11 Abrahams fears were
to say nothing of giving you the dignity you deserve as a
needless. God had promised him a son. He didnt need
child of God. Like Hagars canteen, your soul is parched.
to fear death at the hands of Abimelech. But because
Who can you turn to?
Abraham was operating in needless fear and panic, he
Hagar had nowhere to go. She was desperate. But God
committed the same sin he had before (Gen. 12:10-20).
takes care of His children. Though the consequences of
Sound familiar?
sin disturb us, they need not defeat us. Though relational
conflicts disrupt, they need not destroy us. Though personal
confusion disarms us, it need not demoralize us. We dont
know how God will rescue us, but we believe He will.
39 G e n e sis 2 1 : 8

Guarding the Well

GENESIS 21:22-34

A BRA H A M A N D HIS MEN had dug a well in the wilderness, a source of refreshment in
aparched land. At some undisclosed time, Abimelechs men seized it, and Abraham had
noplace of refreshment.
All of us need wells, places of refreshment for our bodies and spirits. Some people
enjoy the ocean. They like sailing, boating, swimming, walking along the beach, and hearing
the crashing surf. Other people like the mountains. They enjoy the sounds of birds and the
cool, rushing wind in the pines and the leaves. They like the animal life in the woods as well
as the winding t railsand the quietness. Other people like reading
and having a quiet place at home where they can spend an hour or Wells of
two with a book. All of these are like wells in the wilderness. They
refreshment
are places ofrefreshment.
One of the women on our staff enjoys taking walks on the are not just a
beach. I asked her, When is the last time you refreshed yourself privilege for
on the beach? She sort of hung her head and said, Its been too
afew. They are
long. Isaid, You had better get back soon.
There will always be people who will try to seize our wells. necessary for
Others will give us more to do than time allows, and if we hope allof us.
to complete their lists, we must surrender our wells and deny
ourselves essential times of refreshment. But those moments of rejuvenation are not just
aprivilege for a few. They are necessary for all of us. We cannot cultivate a deep life without
periodic times of solitude and quietness. Ive never known anyone to grow deep while in
a rush. A life lived in a hurry leads to consequences greater than any of us realize. It leads
to shallowness. It leads to superficial talk. It causes us to be ill prepared for all God has
planned to take us through.
Before passing this off as just the way things are done, I urge you to stop and think.
Consider the immense benefits of interludes of personal preparation.
God has designed large tests for His p eopletests that He will lead us through. Without
interludes of preparation in quietness, we wont be ready. As a matter of fact, we will fail
many of those tests. Only in quietness can we put our roots down deeply. Only during the
parentheses of life will we find the depth and strength to live p urposefully instead of in a
reactionary, defensive way.
Think about your well of refreshment. Think about the value of time by a well. Watch out
for the soldiers of Abimelech. Guarding your well isnt selfish. It is of paramount importance
to your survival and productivity.
 G e n e sis 2 1 : 9 40

occasion. 9 But Sarah saw Ishmaelthe son of

with you, helping you in everything you do, Abime
braham and her Egyptian servant Hagarmaking
A lech said. 23 Swear to me in Gods name that you will

fun of her son, Isaac.* 10 So she turned to Abraham

never deceive me, my children, or any of my descen-
and demanded, Get rid of that slave woman and her dants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you
son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my will be loyal to me and to this country where you are
son, Isaac. I wont have it! living as a foreigner.
11 This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael
24 Abraham replied, Yes, I swear to it! 25 Then

was his son. 12 But God told Abraham, Do not be

Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that
upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sar Abimelechs servants had taken by force from Abra
ah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your hams servants.
descendants will be counted. 13 But I will also make a
26 This is the first Ive heard of it, Abimelech an-

nation of the descendants of Hagars son because he swered. I have no idea who is responsible. You have
is your son, too. never complained about this before.
14 So Abraham got up early the next morning, pre-
27 Abraham then gave some of his sheep, goats,

pared food and a container of water, and strapped and cattle to Abimel ech, and they made a treaty.
them on Hagars shoulders. Then he sent her away 28 But Abraham also took seven additional female

with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the lambs and set them off by themselves. 29 Abimelech

wilderness of Beersheba. asked, Why have you set these seven apart from
15 When the water was gone, she put the boy in

theothers?
the shade of a bush. 16 Then she went and sat down
30 Abraham replied, Please accept these seven

by herself about a hundred yards* away. I dont lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.
want to watch the boy die, she said, as she burst 31 Then he named the place Beersheba (which means

into tears. well of the oath), because that was where they had
17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel

sworn the oath.
of God called to Hagar from heaven, Hagar, whats 32 After making their covenant at Beersheba,

wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his
as he lies there. 18 Go to him and comfort him,for I

army, and they returned home to the land of the Phi
will make a great nation from his descendants. listines. 33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at

19 Then God opened Hagars eyes, and she saw a

Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the
well full of water. She quickly filled her water con- Eternal God.* 34 And Abraham lived as a foreigner in

tainer and gave the boy a drink. Philistine country for a long time.
20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in

the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21 and Abrahams Faith Tested

he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother
arranged for him to marry a woman from the land
of Egypt.
22 Some time later, God tested Abrahams faith.
Abraham! God called.
Yes, he replied. Here I am.
2 Take your son, your only sonyes, Isaac, whom

Abrahams Covenant with Abimelech you love so muchand go to the land of Moriah. Go
22 About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his

and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the
army commander, to visit Abraham. God is obviously mountains, which I will show you.
21:9As in Greek version and Latin Vulgate; Hebrew lacks of her son, Isaac.21:16Hebrew a bowshot.21:33Hebrew El-Olam.
LIVING INSIGHTS

PRYING OUR FINGERS LOOSE Gen. 22:1-14 God has a way of putting His finger on the very thing
Abrahamis not a young father, and Isaac is not a young thats most important to us, doesnt He? One of Gods
boy. By this time, he and Abraham have had many years most consistent projects is prying our fingers loose from
together. things that we grip tightly. Some of us are holding on too
Then God tested Abrahams faith (Gen. 22:1). The tightly to things that have come close to taking the place
form of the verb in the original Hebrew indicates intensity. of the Lord in our lives. We all have a few hidden areas
God magnified this test above all tests as He spoke to we cling to. They mean so much to us. They have almost
Abraham and said, I want your boy. I want him for Myself. become shrines. So the Lord puts His finger on the one
Was Abraham more in love with the gift of God or God area that will test us most. I want that.
Himself? This is a question we all have to ask ourselves Sometimes I go through periods of time when I say
periodically. Do I adore the gifts God gives me more to the Lord, Lord, you have all of me. I hold nothing
than Iadore the Giver of those gifts? Have I turned to back. Itsso easy to say that. Its so challenging to
worshiping Gods blessings rather than the One who has liveit.
blessed mylife?
41 G e n e sis 2 2 : 2

Let It Go
GENESIS 22:1-14

IN GE NE SIS 22, we see the greatest test God brought into Abrahams life. Would he
release his son to God? This was not just any son, but his only treasured son, the son
ofpromise.
Letting go is always difficult. No matter who or what it may be that we love, releasing
our grip and losing control is always a painful thing. There are four major categories where
letting go is especially challenging for us:

 Possessions. Weve bought them, weve saved them, and weve attached a lot of
significance to them. They are hard to surrender. My wife was raised in a little farm-
house in Tyler, Texas. When she was just a little girl, the wood stove caught fire. Her
mother tried to beat the fire out but couldnt. Cynthia grabbed her littlesister, and
they raced out of the house. Her mother threw allshe could
on the mattress, then folded it up and pushed her way out the
Releasing
door. Thats all they were able to save. The house burned flat
to the ground. Those are terrible memories for her asa little our grip and
girl. Her family lost everything they possessed. Letting go is a losing control
painfulexperience.
is always a
 A business or occupation. If youve ever spent much time without
a job, you know what a struggle this can be. Its hard to let go of painful thing.
that which gives us so much satisfaction, fulfillment, andprovision.
 Our dreams. All of us have goals in life. These are things we think about and plan in our
minds. Letting go of our dreams is perhaps as painful as anything we could go through.
 People. In my years in the ministry, I dont know how many hundreds of fresh graves I
have stood beside with the grieving. I can never forget the sadness of a widow, a parent,
or a child as they look on in that unbelievable moment, still trying to convince them-
selves that this has happened. Prepared as we try to be, were never quite ready for the
moment when life is snuffed out.

There may be something in your life about which God is saying, That is Mine, and I want
the rights to it. I want to take it so I can take its placefirst placein your life. Here are
two principles to remember:

 What you retain for yourself is usually what God asks you to release to Him. It may
besome possession. It may be a position of prominence. It may be a valuable relation-
ship. It may be a cherished dream. Whatever has taken that special place that youve
retained for yourself, thats probably the area where Hes going to say, I want to have
that. Make sure God remains in first place.
 What you release to God, He replaces with something even more valuable. God plays
fair. Whatever you release to Him, He will replace with something better. Abraham had
placed Isaac on an altar. Isaac was as good as dead. But afterward, he was even more
valuable, because Abraham had God in first place without question.

Are you willing to let go?

 G e n e sis 2 2 : 3 42

3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He

sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
saddled his donkey and took two of his servants 14 Abraham

named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which
with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped means the Lord will provide). To this day, people
wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for still use that name as a proverb: On the mountain of
the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day

the Lord it will be provided.
of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the 15 Then the angel of the Lord called again to Abra

place in the distance. 5 Stay here with the donkey,

ham from heaven. 16 This is what the Lord says:

Abraham told the servants. The boy and I will travel Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld
a little farther. We will worship there, and then we even your son, your only son, I swear by my own
will come right back. name that 17 I will certainly bless you. I will multiply

6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offer-

your descendants* beyond number, like the stars in
ing on Isaacs shoulders, while he himself carried the the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descen-
fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on to- dants will conquer the cities of their enemies. 18 And

gether, 7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, Father?

through your descendants all the nations of the earth
Yes, my son? Abraham replied. will be blessedall because you have obeyed me.
We have the fire and the wood, the boy said, but 19 Then they returned to the servants and traveled

where is the sheep for the burnt offering? back to Beersheba, where Abraham continued to live.
8 God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering,
20 Soon after this, Abraham heard that Milcah, his

my son, Abraham answered. And they both walked brother Nahors wife, had borne Nahor eight sons.
on together. 21 The oldest was named Uz, the next oldest was Buz,

9 When they arrived at the place where God had

followed by Kemuel (the ancestor of the Aram eans),
told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged 22 Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel. 23 (Be

the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid thuel became the father of Rebekah.) In addition
him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham

to these eight sons from Milcah, 24 Nahor had four

picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At

other children from his concubine Reumah. Their
that moment the angel of the Lord called to him names were Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.
from heaven, Abraham! Abraham!
Yes, Abraham replied. Here I am! The Burial of Sarah

23
12 Dont lay a hand on the boy! the angel said. Do

When Sarah was 127 years old, 2 she died

not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly at Kiria th-arba (now called Hebron) in the
fear God. You have not withheld from me even your land of Canaan. There Abraham mourned and wept
son, your only son. forher.
13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught
3 Then, leaving her body, he said to the Hittite el-

by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and ders, 4 Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among

22:17Hebrew seed; also in 22:17b, 18.

LIVING INSIGHTS

FAITH IS OBEDIENCE Gen. 22:3 What does Genesis GOD PROVIDES SURPRISES Gen. 22:13-14 Abraham
22:3 say? So Abraham resisted God? No, not on your names the place Yahweh-Yireh, the Lord will provide. When
life! Early in the morning he rose, got firewood, woke his we pass Gods tests, He provides for our needs in surprising
son, assembled the servants, and made his way north to ways. In this case, the Lord provides a ram. Abraham had no
Moriah. Why not? God had never failed with any of His clue there would be a ram. It is Godssurprise!
other promisesabout the land, about Isaacs conception, The Lord never runs out of rams. He is full of surprises.
or about his birth. God wouldnt fail Abraham now. In Abrahams day, it was the ram in the thicket. In our day, it
Abraham had put it all together, you see. If He wants me is a surprising answer you never knew was coming. God, in
to take my boy up on that mountain, and if He wantsme to His grace, provides the unexpected. Its one of the benefits
slay him as I would a lamb, then God is able to raise him of passing His exams.
upbecause God keeps His word (seeHeb.11:17-19). Abrahams step of faith wasnt a blind leap. He stepped
The best synonym I can think of for faith is obedience. out based on his knowledge of the character of God.
Hewas confident God would provide, though he had no
ABRAHAM DIDNT PROCRASTINATE Gen. 22:3
cluehow.
Abrahams response to Gods command was immediate: The
Maybe you are facing an impossibility in your life. If so,
next morning Abraham got up early. One of the most effective
remember that you are facing not just the reality of the
enemies of faith is p rocrastinationdelay. God says to us, I
test but the reality of God, who invariably provides His own
want you to do this, My child. But we often respond like the
offering for His sacrifice. He has a way of providing for us
young person who is told to do the dishes: Just a minute or
the things we need to obey Him. So instead of rushing to
In a little while or When I have time. Abraham refused to
a panicked conclusion This is impossible. This is too
respond like that. Instead, he was on his way before sunrise.
demanding. This is unfair!how about saying, Lord, You
Are you delaying your response to God? What would it
will provide. I choose to trust You.
look like to respond immediately and not delay?
43 G e n e sis 2 3 : 4

Grieving Death
GENESIS 23

IT WOULD BE EASY for us to rush by the death of Sarah. But when the Spirit of God hovers
over one name, one monument, or one death for a full chapter, He is telling us something.
What are we to do when we face the grief of losing someone dear to us? Getting
beyond the grief can be so difficult. Here are five things we can do that will help us when
death comes:
 Face reality. There is no need to dwell on death unnecessarily, but death is an inescapable
fact. If Christs coming tarries, every person you love and know will die. Moreover, you
will die. So will I. This is why we ultimately must hold one another loosely. God has the
final control over our time on this earth. Make the most of the time with your loved ones
while you have them!
 Grieve fully. So many people cut this process short or even deny it altogether. Instead,
express your sadness. Let the tears flow. Talk about the loss. Say how you feel. Dont
be ashamed of it. Admit your feelings. Dont hurry through these days. I would venture
to guess that some of you have not grieved sufficiently over the loss of someone very
important to you. That may very well explain why you cannot
seem to move forward in life. Abraham took time to weep and You dont
tomourn fully. Follow his example, and leave room for grieving, recover from a
not only in your life but in the lives of other people who grieve.
 Plan thoughtfully. We see this with Abraham. He thought about
death until you
where he wanted Sarah to be buried. He even had a place express your
in mind. He bought the cave of Machpelah, which became a grief fully.
monument, a memorial of remembrance for the whole family
the first memorial in the pages of Gods Word. Sarah was not the only person who
would be buried there. Ishmael and Isaac buried Abraham there. Isaac and Rebekah
were buried there. Jacob buried Leah there. Joseph buried Jacob there.
 Communicate clearly. If you have preferences regarding your own death, say so. Let
your mate know who you would like to serve as pallbearers. Plan your memorial service.
Select the songs and Scriptures to be sung and read. How wonderful it would be to
havea process in place that your loved ones could follow because you communicated
itso clearly.
 Value dignity. A burial is a statement. It is a lasting memorial, a reflection on a life.
If it was worth it to the leaders of our country to erect monuments in honor of our
presidents, then doesnt it make sense to establish some kind of monument in honor
of a life that has impacted yours? Treat it with dignity. Provide a message of hope, a
message of encouragement, a statement of commitment. Dont be afraid to reflect
upon the significance of the life that has passed.

It is very much like us to ignore the messages of death. Because we are so life-oriented,
we sometimes try to pass by death quickly or bypass it altogether. But you dont recover
from a death until you express your grief fully. You dont get over loss until youexpress the
loss. Just as God has given us laughter and joy, so also He has built into our bodies tear
ducts and voice boxes that express feelings of sorrow, sadness, and grief.
G e n e sis 2 3 : 5 44

THE CAVE OF
MACHPELAH
INHEBRON
ATestimony ofFaith
GENESIS 23

SYRIA
n S ea

Sea of
Galilee
anea

ISRAEL
iterr

Jordan
River
Med

WEST
BANK

Jerusalem Cave of
Machpelah
Hebron
Dead
Sea
JORDAN Abrahams Family Burial Site. This large building was built during
ISRAEL
the time of Herod the Greatjust before Jesus time on earth
tomark the importance of this place.

TOWERING LIKE A FORTRESS over the poor buildings that surround it, an ancient
structure in Hebron covers a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Other than
the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, no other place remains as revered by people of all
three faiths. The building covers the cave of Machpelah, the site the book of Genesis
refers to as the burial ground for the Hebrew patriarchs and their wives in the second
millennium bc (Gen. 23:19; 25:9; 49:30; 50:13).
In the first century bc, Herod the Great constructed a massive wall around the
cavea beautiful edifice built using construction techniques similar to those of
theTemple Mount. As centuries passed, porticoes were added to the four sides of the
structure, and a partition separated visitors of the different faiths. The Augustinian
Canons rediscovered the cave of Machpelah below Herods structure in ad 1119. For
a time, anyone could visit the underground area. But by the end of the thirteenth
century, no one from the general public was allowed in thecave.
Its ironic that the only part of Canaan that Abraham actually ownedthough
God promised him all of itwas this burial plot in Hebron. In fact, Abraham lived
for s ixty-two years in the Promised Land before he possessed any of it. Abraham
and many of his descendants would die before ever receiving all God promised. As
the book of Hebrews reminds us, All these people died still believing what God had
promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a
distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on
earth (Heb. 11:13).
Abrahams purchase at Machpelah demonstrated his faith that God would keep
His promises. His action reminds us that we lose nothing of Gods promises in death
because those promises extend beyond the grave.
45 G e n e sis 2 4 : 1 1

you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my buried his wife, Sarah, there in Canaan, in the cave
wife a proper burial. of Machpelah, near Mamre (also called Hebron).
5 The Hittites replied to Abraham, 6 Listen, my
20 So the field and the cave were transferred from

lord, you are an honored prince among us. Choose the Hittites to Abraham for use as a permanent
the finest of our tombs and bury her there. No one burialplace.
here will refuse to help you in this way.
7 Then Abraham bowed low before the Hittites
A Wife for Isaac

24 Abraham was now a very old man, and the

8 and said, Since you are willing to help me in this

way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar 9 to let Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 One day

me buy his cave at Machpelah, down at the end of Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge
his field. I will pay the full price in the presence of of his household, Take an oath by putting your hand
witnesses, so I will have a permanent burial place for under my thigh. 3 Swear by the Lord, the God of

my family. heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to
10 Ephron was sitting there among the others, and
marry one of these local Canaanite women. 4 Go in-

he answered Abraham as the others listened, speak- stead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife
ing publicly before all the Hittite elders of the town. there for my son Isaac.
11 No, my lord, he said to Abraham, please listen to

5 The servant asked, But what if I cant find a

me. I will give you the field and the cave. Here in the young woman who is willing to travel so far from
presence of my people, I give it to you. Go and bury home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among
your dead. your relatives in the land you came from?
12 Abraham again bowed low before the citizens

6 No! Abraham responded. Be careful never to

of the land, 13 and he replied to Ephron as everyone

take my son there. 7 For the Lord, the God of heaven,

listened. No, listen to me. I will buy it from you. Let who took me from my fathers house and my native
me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my land, solemnly promised to give this land to my de-
dead there. scendants.* He will send his angel ahead of you, and
14 Ephron answered Abraham, 15 My lord, please
he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.
listen to me. The land is worth 400pieces* of silver, 8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you

but what is that between friends? Go ahead and bury are free from this oath of mine. But under no circum-
your dead. stances are you to take my son there.
16 So Abraham agreed to Ephrons price and paid
9 So the servant took an oath by putting his hand

the amount he had suggested400pieces of silver, under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore
weighed according to the market standard. The Hit to follow Abrahams instructions. 10 Then he loaded

tite elders witnessed the transaction. ten of Abrahams camels with all kinds of expen-
17 So Abraham bought the plot of land belonging
sive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant
to Ephron at Machpelah, near Mamre. This included Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where
the field itself, the cave that was in it, and all the Abrahams brother Nahor had settled. 11 He made

surrounding trees. 18 It was transferred to Abraham

the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town.
as his permanent possession in the presence of It was evening, and the women were coming out to
the Hittite elders at the city gate. 19 Then Abraham
draw water.
23:15Hebrew 400shekels, about 10pounds or 4.6kilograms in weight; also in 23:16.24:7Hebrew seed; also in 24:60. LIVING INSIGHTS

FINDING A SPOUSE Gen. 24:1-67 Scripture says a THE COUNSEL OF PARENTS Gen. 24:1-9 If you
lot about marriage. It upholds the origin and value of it, are seeking a mate, hear and heed the counsel of godly
itexplains Gods purposes for it, and it even describes the parents. Godly parents have walked with the Lord longer
distinct roles of a husband and a wife. Yet, I find only one than you have. They often know you better than you know
chapter in the entire Bible that deals directly with finding yourself. They can usually approach the situation more
ones lifelong companion: Genesis 24. It centers its full objectively and less impulsively than a son or daughter
attention on what to look for in a mate. in the tractor beam of love. Parents often have a kind of
The single most important decision you make on this sixthsense that tells them if a person does or does
earth, apart from faith in the Savior, is the choice of your notfit their child.
spouse. Do not marry until you are absolutely certain Rarely have I known of a time when godly parents
you have found Gods person for you. Stay single rather missed the mark in their estimation of a potential mar-
than grab the first person who seems pretty good. Thats riage partner for their son or daughter. A few? Sure. But
rightstay single. Take it from someone who often works the great majority of parents who walk with the Lordand
with hastily married people who long to return to their have demonstrated over time that they want what is best
singledays. for their c hildrenreally are better judges than the young
people themselves.
 G e n e sis 2 4 : 1 2 46

12 OLord, God of my master, Abraham, he prayed.

tell me, would your father have any room to put us up
Please give me success today, and show unfailing love for the night?
to my master, Abraham. 13 See, I am standing here be-
24 I am the daughter of Bethuel, she replied. My

side this spring, and the young women of the town are grandparents are Nahor and Milcah. 25 Yes, we have

coming out to draw water. 14 This is my request. Iwill

plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have
ask one of them, Please give me a drink from your room for guests.
jug. If she says, Yes, have a drink, and I will water your 26 The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord.

camels, too!let her be the one you have selected as 27 Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,

Isaacs wife. This is how I will know that you have he said. The Lord has shown unfailing love and
shown unfailing love to my master. faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight
15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young

to my masters relatives.
woman named Rebekah coming out with her water 28 The young woman ran home to tell her family

jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Be everything that had happened. 29 Now Rebekah had

thuel, who was the son of Abrahams brother Nahor a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man
and his wife, Milcah. 16 Rebekah was very beautiful

at the spring. 30 He had seen the nose-ring and the

and old enough to be married, but she was still a bracelets on his sisters wrists, and had heard Rebekah
virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the
and came up again. 17 Running over to her, the ser-

spring, where the man was still standing beside his
vant said, Please give me a little drink of water from camels. 31 Laban said to him, Come and stay with us,

your jug. you who are blessed by the Lord! Why are you stand-
18 Yes, my lord, she answered, have a drink. And

ing here outside the town when I have a room all ready
she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and for you and a place prepared for the camels?
gave him a drink. 19 When she had given him a drink,
32 So the man went home with Laban, and Laban

she said, Ill draw water for your camels, too, until unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bed-
they have had enough to drink. 20 So she quickly
ding, fed them, and provided water for the man and
emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran the camel drivers to wash their feet. 33 Then food was

back to the well to draw water for all his camels. served. But Abrahams servant said, I dont want to
21 The servant watched her in silence, wondering

eat until I have told you why I have come.
whether or not the Lord had given him success in his All right, Laban said, tell us.
mission. 22Then at last, when the camels had finished
34 I am Abrahams servant, he explained. 35 And

drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has be-
large gold bracelets* for her wrists. come a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks
23 Whose daughter are you? he asked. And please

of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver
24:22Hebrew a gold nose-ring weighing a beka [0.2ounces or 6grams] and two gold bracelets weighing 10[shekels] [4ounces or 114grams].
LIVING INSIGHTS

SATURATE IN PRAYER Gen. 24:12-14 What stands out what the servant did. First of all, he had bathed the whole
to me is the careful, sensitive manner in which Abrahams process in prayer. But beyond that, they had no copy of the
servant begins his search. He begins by saturating the Scriptures in those days. Sometimes the only way people
whole process in prayer. Why pray when selecting a could be led by the Lord was in a supernatural manner
spouse? First of all, prayer intensifies our inner spirit. It such as this. But now that we have the complete Bible and
keeps us humble and helps us remember that our process the work of the Holy Spirit within us, we no longer need to
is meant to discover Gods choice for usnot our own. lay out a fleece. I generally dont recommend trying to
Second, prayer forces us to wait on God and let God lead. narrowly define how or when God will speak to us. Bathe
We cannot hurry and at the same time bathe something the process in prayer, trust Him, and follow His Word. That
in prayer. Third, prayer establishes a solid foundation for isthe best way to discover His desires.
a relationship. When our relationship with the Lord is
EVALUATING A FAMILY Gen. 24:28-31 Are you
primary, we will see things differently. When we establish a
c onsidering someone as a potential mate? Then look at
pattern of putting the Lord firsteven before we enter into
his or her family. Here are six things to observe about a
a relationship with another p ersonwe keep our hearts
persons immediate family: (1)Look for respect for parents
focused on the most important Person in our lives.
and harmony with siblings. (2)Watch for open communi-
Pray specifically. Dont just pray in general terms. Getdown
cation, especially around the table and in conversation.
to real specifics. Saturate the whole process inprayer.
(3)Look for fun and freedom within family gatherings. See
LAYING OUT A FLEECE Gen. 24:14 What Abrahams if they laugh together or if they hold grudges. Watch how
servant does here is sometimes referred to as laying out they confront one another and solve conflicts. (4)See
a fleece (see Judg. 6:36-40). Ive heard of people who how much hospitality they show and whether they include
say, If she is wearing a red plaid shirt, Ill know shes the others in the family circle. (5)Look for sensitivity to one
one! Laying out a fleece should not be a primary way we anothers needs. (6)Determine if they have a mutual
seek God and His plans. Yet there was nothing wrong with interest in spiritual things.
47 G e n e sis 2 5 : 1 3

and gold, and many male and female servants and my mission successful; now send me back so I can
camels and donkeys. return to my master.
36 When Sarah, my masters wife, was very old,
57 Well, they said, well call Rebekah and ask her

she gave birth to my masters son, and my master what she thinks. 58 So they called Rebekah. Are you

has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master

willing to go with this man? they asked her.
made me take an oath. He said, Do not allow my son And she replied, Yes, I will go.
to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 38 Go 59 So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her

instead to my fathers house, to my relatives, and find away with Abrahams servant and his men. The woman
a wife there for my son. who had been Rebekahs childhood nurse went along
39 But I said to my master, What if I cant find a

with her. 60 They gave her this blessing as she parted:

young woman who is willing to go back with me?

40 He responded, The Lord, in whose presence I have Our sister, may you become
the mother of many millions!

lived, will send his angel with you and will make your
May your descendants be strong
mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my
and conquer the cities of their enemies.
son from among my relatives, from my fathers fam
ily. 41 Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But
61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the

if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go camels and followed the man. So Abrahams servant
with you, you will be free from my oath. took Rebekah and went on his way.
42 So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this
62 Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev,

prayer: OLord, God of my master, Abraham, please had returned from Beer-lahai-roi. 63One evening as he

give me success on this mission. 43 See, I am standing

was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up
here beside this spring. This is my request. When a and saw the camels coming. 64 When Rebekah looked

young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her
Please give me a little drink of water from your jug. camel. 65 Who is that man walking through the fields

44 If she says, Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water

to meet us? she asked the servant.
for your camels, too, let her be the one you have se- And he replied, It is my master. So Rebekah
lected to be the wife of my masters son. covered her face with her veil. 66 Then the servant

45 Before I had finished praying in my heart, I

told Isaac everything he had done.
saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her 67 And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother

shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew Sarahs tent, and she became his wife. He loved her
water. So I said to her, Please give me a drink. 46 She

deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the
quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, death of his mother.
Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!
So I drank, and then she watered the camels. The Death of Abraham

25
47 Then I asked, Whose daughter are you? She

Abraham married another wife, whose name
replied, I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grand was Keturah. 2 She gave birth to Zimran, Jok

parents are Nahor and Milcah. So I put the ring on shan, Medan, Midia n, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan

her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists. was the father of Sheba and Dedan. Dedans descen-
48 Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I
dants were the Asshurites, Letushites, and Leum
praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, be- mites. 4 Midians sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch,

cause he had led me straight to my masters niece to be Abida, and Eldaah. These were all descendants of
his sons wife. 49 So tell mewill you or wont you show
Abraham through Keturah.
unfailing love and faithfulness to my master? Please 5 Abraham gave everything he owned to his son

tell me yes or no, and then Ill know what to do next. Isaac. 6 But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of

50 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, The Lord has

his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east,
obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can away from Isaac.
say. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be
7 Abraham lived for 175 years, 8 and he died at a

the wife of your masters son, as the Lord has directed. ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He
52 When Abrahams servant heard their answer, he

breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. 9His

bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Mach
53 Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and

pelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar
clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also the Hittite. 10 This was the field Abraham had pur-

gave expensive presents to her brother and mother. chased from the Hittites and where he had buried his
54 Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the

wife Sarah. 11 After Abrahams death, God blessed his

men with him stayed there overnight. son Isaac, who settled near Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.
But early the next morning, Abrahams servant
said, Send me back to my master. Ishmaels Descendants
55 But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten
12 This

is the account of the family of Ishmael, the
days, her brother and mother said. Then she can go. son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarahs Egyptian
56 But he said, Dont delay me. The Lord has made

servant. 13 Here is a list, by their names and clans, of

 G e n e sis 2 5 : 1 4 48

Ishmaels descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, fol- 24 And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah

lowed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah,

discovered that she did indeed have twins! 25 The first

Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedem

ah. one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair
16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders

like a fur coat. So they named him Esau.* 26 Then the

of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to other twin was born with his hand grasping Esaus
the places they settled and camped. 17 Ishmael lived
heel. So they named him Jacob.* Isaac was sixty years
for 137years. Then he breathed his last and joined old when the twins were born.
his ancestors in death. 18 Ishmaels descendants oc-

cupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east Esau Sells His Birthright
of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in 27 As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter.

open hostility toward all their relatives.* He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet tem-
perament, preferring to stay at home. 28 Isaac loved

The Births of Esau and Jacob Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau
19 This

is the account of the family of Isaac, the son brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
of Abraham. 20 When Isaac was forty years old, he
29 One day when Jacob was cooking some stew,

married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Ar Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted
amean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban and hungry. 30 Esau said to Jacob, Im starved! Give

theAramean. me some of that red stew! (This is how Esau got his
21 Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife,

other name, Edom, which means red.)
because she was unable to have children. The Lord an- 31 All right, Jacob replied, but trade me your

swered Isaacs prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant rights as the firstborn son.
with twins. 22 But the two children struggled with each
32 Look, Im dying of starvation! said Esau. What

other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about good is my birthright to me now?
it. Why is this happening to me? she asked. 33 But Jacob said, First you must swear that your

23 And the Lord told her, The sons in your womb

birthright is mine. So Esau swore an oath, thereby sell-
will become two nations. From the very beginning, the ing all his rights as the firstborn to his brother,Jacob.
two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stron- 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew.

ger than the other; and your older son will serve your Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed
younger son. contempt for his rights as the firstborn.
25:18The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.25:25Esau sounds like a Hebrew term that means hair.25:26Jacob sounds like the Hebrew words for heel and deceiver.
LIVING INSIGHTS

FROM THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION Gen.25:2126 PARENTAL FAVORITISM Gen. 25:27-28 I suppose
Rebekah had no idea why the twins within her were wrestling Isaac preferred the outdoors. He liked it that his boy
in her womb. So she inquired of the Lord, and He said to her, enjoyed hunting. He liked the rugged way Esau handled
You dont simply have two children in yourwomb. You have himself. Rebekah, on the other hand, liked it that Jacob
two nations. stayed around the house.
From the time of conception, a mother has life within her Theres nothing wrong with the boys being different. But
womb. Gods design and purpose are at work in the lives of there is something terribly wrong with parental favoritism.
our children even before they are born. This partiality haunted Esaus steps for the balance of
hislife.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION Gen. 25:27-34 The clich
Make no mistakefavoritism has a damaging effect on
Marry in haste, repent at leisure carries a principle that
thewhole family. It may seem to work all right for a while.
extends to all impulse decisions. Whether we exchange our
Itmay appear harmless. In fact, preference may even seem
loneliness for a quick marriage or we trade our financial
to benefit one child who needs it. But over time, itcan
difficulties for a hasty business partnership, we trade a
sowseeds of unresolved conflict that will surface and
short-lived feeling of relief for long-term regret. Truth be
cause pain.
told, the desire for instant gratification is a dangerous basis
for making a major decision. It should raise a red flag for A SHREWD BARGAIN Gen. 25:29-34 Jacob has often
us every time. been depicted as a man who deceived his brother out
When you come to a major decision in life, take time. of his birthright. But I see no deception here. Later I find
Pull back. Be as objective as possible. Listen to counsel deception, to be surewith Isaacs blessingbut this deal
that tells you what you dont want to hear. Pay attention to goes down out in the open. You want a bowl of my soup?
the words. If you dont, difficult consequences may follow. Give me your birthright. He doesnt hide the fact that it is
Believe me, they will dog your steps, perhaps for the rest an out-and-out trade.
of your life. For Esau, spiritual priorities arent nearly as important as
physical comforts. Intangibles mean little to one so earthy.
Esau sees only the need of the momentto fill his stomach.
Jacob simply takes advantage of Esaus carnal nature.
Jacob is a better student of Esau than Esau is of Jacob.
49 G e n e sis 2 6 : 3 3

Isaac Deceives Abimelech it with Isaacs herdsmen. So Isaac named the well

26 A severe famine now struck the land, as had

happened before in Abrahams time. So Isaac
moved to Gerar, where Abimelech, king of the Phi
Esek (which means argument). 21 Isaacs men then
dug another well, but again there was a dispute over
it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means hostil-

listines, lived. ity). 22 Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and

2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, Do not

dug another well. This time there was no dispute
go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. 3 Live here
over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which
as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you means open space), for he said, At last the Lord has
and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all created enough space for us to prosper in this land.
these lands to you and your descendants,* just as 23 From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, 24 where

I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. 4 I will the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival.
cause your descendants to become as numerous as I am the God of your father, Abraham, he said. Do
the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I
lands. And through your descendants all the nations will multiply your descendants, and they will become
of the earth will be blessed. 5 I will do this because
a great nation. I will do this because of my promise
Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my require- to Abraham, my servant. 25 Then Isaac built an altar

ments, commands, decrees, and instructions. 6 So

there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at
Isaac stayed in Gerar. that place, and his servants dug another well.
7 When the men who lived there asked Isaac

about his wife, Rebekah, he said, She is my sister. Isaacs Covenant with Abimelech
26 One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with
He was afraid to say, She is my wife. He thought,

They will kill me to get her, because she is so beau- his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army com-
tiful. 8 But some time later, Abimelech, king of the

mander. 27 Why have you come here? Isaac asked.

Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off
caressing Rebekah. yourland.
9 Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and ex- 28 They replied, We can plainly see that the Lord

claimed, She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty
She is my sister? with you. Lets make a covenant. 29 Swear that you will

Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We
her from me, Isaac replied. have always treated you well, and we sent you away
10 How could you do this to us? Abimelech ex-

from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has
claimed. One of my people might easily have taken blessed you!
30 So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate
your wife and slept with her, and you would have

made us guilty of great sin. the treaty, and they ate and drank together. 31 Early

11 Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not
to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them

Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put

home again, and they left him in peace.
to death! 32 That very day Isaacs servants came and told him

about a new well they had dug. Weve found water!

Conflict over Water Rights
12 When Isaac planted his crops that year, he har- they exclaimed. 33 So Isaac named the well Shibah

(which means oath). And to this day the town that

vested a hundred times more grain than he planted,

grew up there is called Beersheba (which means well
for the Lord blessed him. 13 He became a very rich
of the oath).

man, and his wealth continued to grow. 14 He ac-

quired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of 26:3Hebrew seed; also in 26:4, 24.
cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jeal-
ous of him. 15 So the Philistines filled up all of Isaacs

LIVING INSIGHTS

wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been PASSING ALONG OUR FAILURES Gen. 26:1-11
dug by the servants of his father, Abraham. Just as there was more integrity in Pharaohs household
16 Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the

than in Abrams (see Gen. 12:10-20), so there is more
country. Go somewhere else, he said, for you have integrity in Abimelechs household than in Isaacs.
become too powerful for us. How could this happen again? Why would Isaac turn
17 So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where
around and commit the very same sin as his father
he set up their tents and settled down. 18 He reopened

unless his father never warned him about it?
the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines How easy it is to fail to pass along to our children
had filled in after Abrahams death. Isaac also re- wise counsel from our own failures and heartaches.
If we dont instruct them, they might end up doing
stored the names Abraham had given them.
19 Isaacs servants also dug in the Gerar Valley

not only the same thing we did but something worse.
Sometimes our failures can serve as the platform for
and discovered a well of fresh water. 20 But then the

our childrens success.

shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring.
This is our water, they said, and they argued over
 G e n e sis 2 6 : 3 4 50

34 At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite

done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit
wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basem
ath, up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.
the daughter of Elon. 35 But Esaus wives made life
20 Isaac asked, How did you find it so quickly,

miserable for Isaac and Rebekah. myson?

The Lord your God put it in my path! Jacob replied.
Jacob Steals Esaus Blessing 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, Come closer so I can

27 One day when Isaac was old and turning

blind, he called for Esau, his older son, and
said, My son.
touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.
22 So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac

touched him. The voice is Jacobs, but the hands are

Yes, Father? Esau replied. Esaus, Isaac said. 23 But he did not recognize Jacob,

2 I am an old man now, Isaac said, and I dont

because Jacobs hands felt hairy just like Esaus. So
know when I may die. 3 Take your bow and a quiver
Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. 24 But are you really

full of arrows, and go out into the open country to my son Esau? he asked.
hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare my favorite
Yes, I am, Jacob replied.
dish, and bring it here for me to eat. Then I will pro- 25 Then Isaac said, Now, my son, bring me the wild

nounce the blessing that belongs to you, my firstborn game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my bless-
son, before I die. ing. So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac
5 But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his
ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him.
son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, 26 Then Isaac said to Jacob, Please come a little closer

6 she said to her son Jacob, Listen. I overheard your

and kiss me, my son.
father say to Esau, 7 Bring me some wild game and

27 So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when

prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally
the Lords presence before I die. 8 Now, my son, listen
convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, Ah! The
to me. Do exactly as I tell you. 9 Go out to the flocks,
smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors,
and bring me two fine young goats. Ill use them to which the Lord has blessed!
prepare your fathers favorite dish. 10 Then take the
28 From the dew of heaven
food to your father so he can eat it and bless you be-
and the richness of the earth,
fore he dies.
11 But look, Jacob replied to Rebekah, my brother,
may God always give you abundant harvests
ofgrain

Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. 12 What if

and bountiful new wine.

my father touches me? Hell see that Im trying to trick 29 May many nations become your servants,
him, and then hell curse me instead of blessing me. and may they bow down to you.
13 But his mother replied, Then let the curse fall
May you be the master over your brothers,

on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get and may your mothers sons bow down to you.
the goats for me! All who curse you will be cursed,
14 So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his
and all who bless you will be blessed.

mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious

meal, just the way Isaac liked it. 15 Then she took Es-
30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob,

aus favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and almost before Jacob had left his father, Esau re-
and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. 16 She cov- turned from his hunt. 31 Esau prepared a delicious

ered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with meal and brought it to his father. Then he said, Sit
the skin of the young goats. 17 Then she gave Jacob the
up, my father, and eat my wild game so you can give
delicious meal, including freshly baked bread. me your blessing.
18 So Jacob took the food to his father. My father?

32 But Isaac asked him, Who are you?

he said. Esau replied, Its your son, your firstborn son, Esau.
Yes, my son, Isaac answered. Who are youEsau 33 Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said,

or Jacob? Then who just served me wild game? I have already

19 Jacob replied, Its Esau, your firstborn son. Ive
eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came. And
yes, that blessing must stand!
34 When Esau heard his fathers words, he let out

a loud and bitter cry. Ohmy father, what about me?

LIVING INSIGHTS

MENTORING IN DECEPTION Gen. 27:1-40 Jacob

learned how to deceive from his mother. Rebekah men- Bless me, too! he begged.
35 But Isaac said, Your brother was here, and he
tored him in trickery. To be sure, Jacob had a nature of

deception, which we see as far back as his birth. When tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.
he came out of the womb, he had hold of the heel of 36 Esau exclaimed, No wonder his name is Jacob, for

Esau, his older brother. But the heel grabber learned to now he has cheated me twice.* First he took my rights
scheme from his mother. Jacob carries her example the as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing.
full nine yards. Never underestimate the impact of your Oh, havent you saved even one blessing forme?
character on your children. They are watching to imitate. 37 Isaac said to Esau, I have made Jacob your master

27:36Jacob sounds like the Hebrew words for heel and deceiver.
51 G e n e sis 2 9 : 3

and have declared that all his brothers will be his ser- place to set up camp and stopped there for the
vants. I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against
and winewhat is left for me to give you, myson? and lay down to sleep. 12 As he slept, he dreamed of

38 Esau pleaded, But do you have only one bless-

a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven.
ing? Ohmy father, bless me, too! Then Esau broke And he saw the angels of God going up and down
down and wept. the stairway.
39 Finally, his father, Isaac, said to him,

13 At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and

he said, I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather

You will live away from the richness of the earth, Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The
and away from the dew of the heaven above. ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving
40 You will live by your sword,
it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants

and you will serve your brother. will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will
But when you decide to break free, spread out in all directionsto the west and the east,
you will shake his yoke from your neck. to the north and the south. And all the families of the
earth will be blessed through you and your descen-
Jacob Flees to Paddan-Aram
41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their
dants. 15 Whats more, I am with you, and I will protect

you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back

father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began

to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished
to scheme: I will soon be mourning my fathers
giving you everything I have promised you.
death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob. 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said,
42 But Rebekah heard about Esaus plans. So she

Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasnt even

sent for Jacob and told him, Listen, Esau is consoling aware of it! 17 But he was also afraid and said, What
himself by plotting to kill you. 43 So listen carefully,

an awesome place this is! It is none other than the

my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in house of God, the very gateway to heaven!
Haran. 44 Stay there with him until your brother cools

18 The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took

off. 45 When he calms down and forgets what you

the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it

have done to him, I will send for you to come back. upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil
Why should I lose both of you in one day? over it. 19 He named that place Bethel (which means

46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, Im sick and tired

house of God), although it was previously called Luz.

of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than 20 Then Jacob made this vow: If God will indeed be

see Jacob marry one of them. with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will
provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I return
28

So Isaac called for Jacob, blessed him, and said, safely to my fathers home, then the Lord will cer-
You must not marry any of these Canaanite tainly be my God. 22 And this memorial pillar I have

women. 2 Instead, go at once to Paddan-aram, to the

set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I

house of your grandfather Bethuel, and marry one of will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.
your uncle Labans daughters. 3 May God Almighty*

bless you and give you many children. And may your Jacob Arrives at Paddan-Aram
descendants multiply and become many nations!
4 May God pass on to you and your descendants* the

blessings he promised to Abraham. May you own this

29 Then Jacob hurried on, finally arriving in the
land of the east. He saw a well in the dis-
2

tance. Three flocks of sheep and goats lay in an open

land where you are now living as a foreigner, for God field beside it, waiting to be watered. But a heavy
gave this land to Abraham. stone covered the mouth of the well.
5 So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-

3 It was the custom there to wait for all the flocks to

aram to stay with his uncle Laban, his mothers

brother, the son of Bethuel the Aram ean. 28:3Hebrew El-Shaddai.28:4Hebrew seed; also in 28:13, 14.
6 Esau knew that his father, Isaac, had blessed Jacob

and sent him to Paddan-aram to find a wife, and that

LIVING INSIGHTS

he had warned Jacob, You must not marry a Canaan INCOMPLETE PARENTING Gen. 28:1-9 Does
ite woman. 7 He also knew that Jacob had obeyed his
itconcern you that Isaac gave his son Jacob counsel
parents and gone to Paddan-aram. 8 It was now very
about how to marry but failed to do the same forEsau?
clear to Esau that his father did not like the local Ca It seems Esau had to find a wife in whatever way
naanite women. 9 So Esau visited his uncle Ishmaels

occurred to him, and he made bad choices as a
family and married one of Ishmaels daughters, in result(Gen. 26:34-35).
addition to the wives he already had. His new wifes Your children need help in knowing how to choose
name was Mahalath. She was the sister of Nebaioth a mate. They need your assistance in knowing what to
look for and discerning what is best for them and what
and the daughter of Ishmael, Abrahams son.
will hurt them, what will encourage them and what will
work against them. Marriage is not an independent
Jacobs Dream at Bethel
10 Meanwhile, Jacob left Bee rs heb a and traveled
thing; its a family affair.

toward Haran. 11 At sundown he arrived at a good

G e n e sis 2 9 : 4 52

arrive before removing the stone and watering the an- it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept
imals. Afterward the stone would be placed back over with her. 24 (Laban had given Leah a servant, Zilpah,

the mouth of the well. 4 Jacob went over to the shep-

to be her maid.)
herds and asked, Where are you from, my friends? 25 But when Jacob woke up in the morningit was

We are from Haran, they answered. Leah! What have you done to me? Jacob raged at
5 Do you know a man there named Laban, the

Laban. I worked seven years for Rachel! Why have
grandson of Nahor? he asked. you tricked me?
Yes, we do, they replied. 26 Its not our custom here to marry off a younger

6 Is he doing well? Jacob asked.

daughter ahead of the firstborn, Laban replied.
Yes, hes well, they answered. Look, here comes 27 But wait until the bridal week is over; then well

his daughter Rachel with the flock now. give you Rachel, tooprovided you promise to work
7 Jacob said, Look, its still broad daylighttoo early

another seven years for me.
to round up the animals. Why dont you water the 28 So Jacob agreed to work seven more years. A

sheep and goats so they can get back out to pasture? week after Jacob had married Leah, Laban gave him
8 We cant water the animals until all the flocks

Rachel, too. 29 (Laban gave Rachel a servant, Bilhah, to

have arrived, they replied. Then the shepherds be her maid.) 30 So Jacob slept with Rachel, too, and

move the stone from the mouth of the well, and we he loved her much more than Leah. He then stayed
water all the sheep and goats. and worked for Laban the additional seven years.
9 Jacob was still talking with them when Rachel

arrived with her fathers flock, for she was a shep- Jacobs Many Children
herd. 10 And because Rachel was his cousinthe
31 When

the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he
daughter of Laban, his mothers brotherand be- enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not
cause the sheep and goats belonged to his uncle conceive. 32 So Leah became pregnant and gave birth

Laban, Jacob went over to the well and moved the to a son. She named him Reuben,* for she said, The
stone from its mouth and watered his uncles flock. Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband
11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and he wept aloud. 12 He

will love me.
explained to Rachel that he was her cousin on her 33 She soon became pregnant again and gave birth

fathers sidethe son of her aunt Rebekah. So Rachel to another son. She named him Simeon,* for she said,
quickly ran and told her father, Laban. The Lord heard that I was unloved and has given me
13 As soon as Laban heard that his nephew Jacob

another son.
had arrived, he ran out to meet him. He embraced 34 Then she became pregnant a third time and gave

and kissed him and brought him home. When Jacob birth to another son. He was named Levi,* for she
had told him his story, 14 Laban exclaimed, You really

said, Surely this time my husband will feel affection
are my own flesh and blood! for me, since I have given him three sons!
35 Once again Leah became pregnant and gave

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel birth to another son. She named him Judah,* for
After Jacob had stayed with Laban for about a month, she said, Now I will praise the Lord! And then she
15 Laban said to him, You shouldnt work for me

stopped having children.
without pay just because we are relatives. Tell me how
much your wages should be.
16 Now Laban had two daughters. The older daugh-

ter was named Leah, and the younger one was Rachel.
30 When Rachel saw that she wasnt having any
children for Jacob, she became jealous of her
sister. She pleaded with Jacob, Give me children, or
17 There was no sparkle in Leahs eyes,* but Rachel
Ill die!
had a beautiful figure and a lovely face. 18 Since Jacob 2 Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. Am I

was in love with Rachel, he told her father, Ill work God? he asked. Hes the one who has kept you from
for you for seven years if youll give me Rachel, your having children!
younger daughter, as my wife. 3 Then Rachel told him, Take my maid, Bilhah,

19 Agreed! Laban replied. Id rather give her to

and sleep with her. She will bear children for me,*
you than to anyone else. Stay and work with me. 20 So and through her I can have a famil y, too. 4 So Rachel

Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his gave her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob as a wife, and he
love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but slept with her. 5 Bilhah became pregnant and pre

a few days. sented him with a son. 6 Rachel named him Dan,* for

21 Finally, the time came for him to marry her.

she said, God has vindicated me! He has heard my
Ihave fulfilled my agreement, Jacob said to Laban. request and given me a son. 7 Then Bilhah became

Now give me my wife so I can sleep with her. pregnant again and gave Jacob a second son. 8 Rachel

22 So Laban invited everyone in the neighborhood

named him Naphtali,* for she said, I have struggled
and prepared a wedding feast. 23 But that night, when

hard with my sister, and Im winning!
29:17Or Leah had dull eyes, or Leah had soft eyes. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.29:32Reuben means Look, a son! It also sounds like the Hebrew for He has seen
my misery.29:33Simeon probably means one whohears.29:34Levi sounds like a Hebrew term that means being attached or feeling affection for.29:35Judah is
related to the Hebrew term for praise.30:3Hebrew bear children on my knees.30:6Dan means he judged or he vindicated.30:8Naphtali means my struggle.
53 G e n e sis 3 1 : 7

9 Meanwhile, Leah realized that she wasnt getting

Jacob replied, Dont give me anything. Just do this
pregnant anymore, so she took her servant, Zilpah, one thing, and Ill continue to tend and watch over
and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Soon Zilpah pre
your flocks. 32 Let me inspect your flocks today and

sented him with a son. 11 Leah named him Gad,* for

remove all the sheep and goats that are speckled or
she said, How fortunate I am! 12 Then Zilpah gave
spotted, along with all the black sheep. Give these to
Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah named him Asher,*

me as my wages. 33 In the future, when you check on

for she said, What joy is mine! Now the other women the animals you have given me as my wages, youll see
will celebrate with me. that I have been honest. If you find in my flock any
14 One day during the wheat harvest, Reuben found

goats without speckles or spots, or any sheep that
some mandrakes growing in a field and brought them are not black, you will know that I have stolen them
to his mother, Leah. Rachel begged Leah, Please give fromyou.
me some of your sons mandrakes. 34 All right, Laban replied. It will be as you say.

15 But Leah angrily replied, Wasnt it enough that

35 But that very day Laban went out and removed

you stole my husband? Now will you steal my sons the male goats that were streaked and spotted, all
mandrakes, too? the female goats that were speckled and spotted
Rachel answered, I will let Jacob sleep with you or had white patches, and all the black sheep. He
tonight if you give me some of the mandrakes. placed them in the care of his own sons, 36 who took

16 So that evening, as Jacob was coming home

them a three-days journey from where Jacob was.
from the fields, Leah went out to meet him. You Meanwhile, Jacob stayed and cared for the rest of
must come and sleep with me tonight! she said. I Labansflock.
have paid for you with some mandrakes that my son 37 Then Jacob took some fresh branches from

found. So that night he slept with Leah. 17 And God

poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled off
answered Leahs prayers. She became pregnant again strips of bark, making white streaks on them.
and gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob. 18 She named 38 Then he placed these peeled branches in the wa-

him Issachar,* for she said, God has rewarded me for tering troughs where the flocks came to drink, for
giving my servant to my husband as a wife. 19 Then
that was where they mated. 39 And when they mated

Leah became pregnant again and gave birth to a sixth in front of the white-streaked branches, they gave
son for Jacob. 20 She named him Zebulun,* for she

birth to young that were streaked, speckled, and
said, God has given me a good reward. Now my hus- spotted. 40 Jacob separated those lambs from La

band will treat me with respect, for I have given him bans flock. And at mating time he turned the flock
six sons. 21 Later she gave birth to a daughter and

to face Labans animals that were streaked or black.
named her Dinah. This is how he built his own flock instead of increas-
22 Then God remembered Rachels plight and an-

ing Labans.
swered her prayers by enabling her to have children. 41 Whenever the stronger females were ready to

23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son.

mate, Jacob would place the peeled branches in the
God has removed my disgrace, she said. 24 And she
watering troughs in front of them. Then they would
named him Joseph,* for she said, May the Lord add mate in front of the branches. 42 But he didnt do this

yet another son to my family. with the weaker ones, so the weaker lambs belonged
to Laban, and the stronger ones were Jacobs. 43 As a

Jacobs Wealth Increases result, Jacob became very wealthy, with large flocks of
25 Soon

after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob sheep and goats, female and male servants, and many
said to Laban, Please release me so I can go home to camels and donkeys.
my own country. 26 Let me take my wives and chil-

dren, for I have earned them by serving you, and let Jacob Flees from Laban
me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have
worked for you.
27 Please listen to me, Laban replied. I have be-

31 But Jacob soon learned that Labans sons were
grumbling about him. Jacob has robbed our
father of everything! they said. He has gained all his
come wealthy, for* the Lord has blessed me because wealth at our fathers expense. 2 And Jacob began to

of you. 28 Tell me how much I owe you. Whatever it

notice a change in Labans attitude toward him.
is, Ill pay it. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land

29 Jacob replied, You know how hard Ive worked

of your father and grandfather and to your relatives
for you, and how your flocks and herds have grown there, and I will be with you.
under my care. 30 You had little indeed before I came,
4 So Jacob called Rachel and Leah out to the field

but your wealth has increased enormously. The Lord where he was watching his flock. 5 He said to them,

has blessed you through everything Ive done. But I have noticed that your fathers attitude toward
now, what about me? When can I start providing for me has changed. But the God of my father has been
my own family? with me. 6 You know how hard I have worked for

31 What wages do you want? Laban asked again.

your father, 7 but he has cheated me, changing my

30:11Gad means good fortune.30:13Asher means happy.30:18Issachar sounds like a Hebrew term that means reward.30:20Zebulun probably means honor.
30:24Joseph means may he add.30:27Or I have learned by divination that.
G e n e sis 3 1 : 8 54

wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do and harps. 28 Why didnt you let me kiss my daugh-

me any harm. 8 For if he said, The speckled animals

ters and grandchildren and tell them good-bye? You
will be your wages, the whole flock began to produce have acted very foolishly! 29 I could destroy you, but

speckled young. And when he changed his mind and the God of your father appeared to me last night and
said, The striped animals will be your wages, then warned me, Leave Jacob alone! 30 I can understand

the whole flock produced striped young. 9 In this way,

your feeling that you must go, and your intense long-
God has taken your fathers animals and given them ing for your fathers home. But why have you stolen
to me. my gods?
10 One time during the mating season, I had a
31 I rushed away because I was afraid, Jacob an-

dream and saw that the male goats mating with the swered. I thought you would take your daughters
females were streaked, speckled, and spotted. 11 Then
from me by force. 32 But as for your gods, see if you

in my dream, the angel of God said to me, Jacob! And can find them, and let the person who has taken them
I replied, Yes, here I am. die! And if you find anything else that belongs to you,
12 The angel said, Look up, and you will see that

identify it before all these relatives of ours, and I will
only the streaked, speckled, and spotted males are give it back! But Jacob did not know that Rachel had
mating with the females of your flock. For I have stolen the household idols.
seen how Laban has treated you. 13 I am the God 33 Laban went first into Jacobs tent to search there,

who appeared to you at Bethel,* the place where you then into Leahs, and then the tents of the two servant
anointed the pillar of stone and made your vow to wivesbut he found nothing. Finally, he went into
me. Now get ready and leave this country and return Rachels tent. 34 But Rachel had taken the household

to the land of your birth. idols and hidden them in her camel saddle, and now
14 Rachel and Leah responded, Thats fine with

she was sitting on them. When Laban had thoroughly
us! We wont inherit any of our fathers wealth any- searched her tent without finding them, 35 she said to

way. 15 He has reduced our rights to those of foreign

her father, Please, sir, forgive me if I dont get up for
women. And after he sold us, he wasted the money you. Im having my monthly period. So Laban con-
you paid him for us. 16 All the wealth God has given

tinued his search, but he could not find the house-
you from our father legally belongs to us and our hold idols.
children. So go ahead and do whatever God has 36 Then Jacob became very angry, and he chal-

toldyou. lenged Laban. Whats my crime? he demanded.

17 So Jacob put his wives and children on cam-

What have I done wrong to make you chase after me
els, 18 and he drove all his livestock in front of him.

as though I were a criminal? 37 You have rummaged

He packed all the belongings he had acquired in through everything I own. Now show me what you
Paddan-aram and set out for the land of Canaan, found that belongs to you! Set it out here in front of
where his father, Isaac, lived. 19 At the time they left,

us, before our relatives, for all to see. Let them judge
Laban was some distance away, shearing his sheep. between us!
Rachel stole her fathers household idols and took 38 For twenty years I have been with you, caring

them with her. 20 Jacob outwitted Laban the Ara

for your flocks. In all that time your sheep and goats
mean, for they set out secretly and never told Laban never miscarried. In all those years I never used a
they were leaving. 21 So Jacob took all his possessions

single ram of yours for food. 39 If any were attacked

with him and crossed the Euphrates River,* heading and killed by wild animals, I never showed you the
for the hill country of Gilea d. carcass and asked you to reduce the count of your
flock. No, I took the loss myself! You made me pay
Laban Pursues Jacob for every stolen animal, whether it was taken in broad
22 Three days later, Laban was told that Jacob had

daylight or in the dark of night.
fled. 23 So he gathered a group of his relatives and
40 I worked for you through the scorching heat of

set out in hot pursuit. He caught up with Jacob seven the day and through cold and sleepless nights. 41 Yes,

days later in the hill country of Gilead. 24 But the pre-

for twenty years I slaved in your house! I worked for
vious night God had appeared to Laban the Aramean fourteen years earning your two daughters, and then
in a dream and told him, Im warning youleave six more years for your flock. And you changed my
Jacob alone! wages ten times! 42 In fact, if the God of my father

25 Laban caught up with Jacob as he was camped

had not been on my sidethe God of Abraham and
in the hill country of Gilea d, and he set up his camp the fearsome God of Isaac*you would have sent me
not far from Jacobs. 26 What do you mean by de-

away empty-handed. But God has seen your abuse
ceiving me like this? Laban demanded. How dare and my hard work. That is why he appeared to you
you drag my daughters away like prisoners of war? last night and rebuked you!
27 Why did you slip away secretly? Why did you de-

ceive me? And why didnt you say you wanted to Jacobs Treaty with Laban
leave? I would have given you a farewell feast, with 43 Then Laban replied to Jacob, These women are

singing and music, accompanied by tambourines my daughters, these children are my grandchildren,
31:13As in Greek version and an Aramaic Targum; Hebrew reads the God of Bethel.31:21Hebrew the river.31:42Or and the Fear of Isaac.
55 G e n e sis 3 2 : 2 3

and these flocks are my flocksin fact, everything 6 After delivering the message, the messengers re-

you see is mine. But what can I do now about my turned to Jacob and reported, We met your brother,
daughters and their children? 44 So come, lets make
Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you
a covenant, you and I, and it will be a witness to our with an army of 400men! 7 Jacob was terrified at

commitment. the news. He divided his household, along with the

45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a monu-
flocks and herds and camels, into two groups. 8 He

ment. 46 Then he told his family members, Gather

thought, If Esau meets one group and attacks it, per-
some stones. So they gathered stones and piled haps the other group can escape.
them in a heap. Then Jacob and Laban sat down be- 9 Then Jacob prayed, O God of my grandfather

side the pile of stones to eat a covenant meal. 47 To Abraham, and God of my father, IsaacO Lord,
commemorate the event, Laban called the place you told me, Return to your own land and to your
Jegar-sahadutha (which means witness pile in Ara relatives. And you promised me, I will treat you
maic), and Jacob called it Galeed (which means wit- kindly. 10 I am not worthy of all the unfailing love

ness pile in Hebrew). and faithfulness you have shown to me, your ser-
48 Then Laban declared, This pile of stones will
vant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan
stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now
have made today. This explains why it was called Gal my household fills two large camps! 11 O Lord,

eedWitness Pile. 49 But it was also called Mizpah

please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau.
(which means watchtower), for Laban said, May the I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along
Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we with my wives and children. 12 But you promised

keep this covenant when we are out of each others me,Iwill surely treat you kindly, and I will multi-
sight. 50 If you mistreat my daughters or if you marry
ply your descendants until they become as numer-
other wives, God will see it even if no one else does. ous as the sands along the seashoretoo many
He is a witness to this covenant between us. tocount.
51 See this pile of stones, Laban continued, and

13 Jacob stayed where he was for the night. Then

see this monument I have set between us. 52 They he selected these gifts from his possessions to
stand between us as witnesses of our vows. I will present to his brother, Esau: 14 200 female goats,

never pass this pile of stones to harm you, and you 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 15 30 female

must never pass these stones or this monument to camels with their young, 40cows, 10bulls, 20fe-
harm me. 53 I call on the God of our ancestorsthe
male donkeys, and 10male donkeys. 16 He divided

God of your grandfather Abraham and the God of my these animals into herds and assigned each to dif-
grandfather Nahorto serve as a judge betweenus. ferent servants. Then he told his servants, Go ahead
So Jacob took an oath before the fearsome God of me with the animals, but keep some distance be-
of his father, Isaac,* to respect the boundary line. tween the herds.
54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice to God there on the

17 He gave these instructions to the men leading

mountain and invited everyone to a covenant feast. the first group: When my brother, Esau, meets you,
After they had eaten, they spent the night on the he will ask, Whose servants are you? Where are you
mountain. going? Who owns these animals? 18 You must reply,

55*Laban got up early the next morning, and he They belong to your servant Jacob, but they are a
kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and gift for his master Esau. Look, he is coming right
blessed them. Then he left and returned home. behindus.
19 Jacob gave the same instructions to the second

32 *As Jacob started on his way again, angels and third herdsmen and to all who followed behind
1
of God came to meet him. 2 When Jacob saw the herds: You must say the same thing to Esau when
them, he exclaimed, This is Gods camp! So he you meet him. 20 And be sure to say, Look, your ser-

named the place Mahanaim.* vant Jacob is right behind us.

Jacob thought, I will try to appease him by send-
Jacob Sends Gifts to Esau ing gifts ahead of me. When I see him in person, per-
3 Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother,

haps he will be friendly to me. 21 So the gifts were

Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the sent on ahead, while Jacob himself spent that night
land of Edom. 4 He told them, Give this message to

in the camp.
my master Esau: Humble greetings from your ser-
vant Jacob. Until now I have been living with Uncle Jacob Wrestles with God
Laban, 5 and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of

22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two

sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons
women. I have sent these messengers to inform my and crossed the Jabbok River with them. 23 After

lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly taking them to the other side, he sent over all his
to me. possessions.
31:53Or the Fear of his father, Isaac.31:55Verse31:55 is numbered 32:1 in Hebrew text.32:1Verses 32:1-32 are numbered 32:2-33 in Hebrew text.32:2Mahanaim
means two camps.
 G e n e sis 3 2 : 2 4 56

24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man

8 And what were all the flocks and herds I met as

came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to Icame? Esau asked.
break. 25 When the man saw that he would not win the
Jacob replied, They are a gift, my lord, to ensure
match, he touched Jacobs hip and wrenched it out of your friendship.
its socket. 26 Then the man said, Let me go, for the
9 My brother, I have plenty, Esau answered. Keep

dawn is breaking! what you have for yourself.

But Jacob said, I will not let you go unless you 10 But Jacob insisted, No, if I have found favor with

blessme. you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief
27 What is your name? the man asked.
to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face
He replied, Jacob. of God! 11 Please take this gift I have brought you, for

28 Your name will no longer be Jacob, the man told

God has been very gracious to me. I have more than
him. From now on you will be called Israel,* because enough. And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally
you have fought with God and with men and have won. accepted the gift.
29 Please tell me your name, Jacob said.

12 Well, Esau said, lets be going. I will lead the way.

Why do you want to know my name? the man 13 But Jacob replied, You can see, my lord, that

replied. Then he blessed Jacob there. some of the children are very young, and the flocks
30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means
and herds have their young, too. If they are driven
face of God), for he said, I have seen God face to too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die.
face, yet my life has been spared. 31 The sun was ris-
14 Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will

ing as Jacob left Peniel,* and he was limping because follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the
of the injury to his hip. 32 (Even today the people of
livestock and the children. I will meet you at Seir.
Israel dont eat the tendon near the hip socket be- 15 All right, Esau said, but at least let me assign

cause of what happened that night when the man some of my men to guide and protect you.
strained the tendon of Jacobs hip.) Jacob responded, Thats not necessary. Its enough
that youve received me warmly, my lord!
Jacob and Esau Make Peace 16 So Esau turned around and started back to Seir

33 Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming that same day. 17 Jacob, on the other hand, traveled on

with his 400men. So he divided the children to Succoth. There he built himself a house and made
among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives. 2 He shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was
put the servant wives and their children at the front, named Succoth (which means shelters).
Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph 18 Later, having traveled all the way from Paddan-

last. 3 Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached

aram, Jacob arrived safely at the town of Shechem,
his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times be- in the land of Canaan. There he set up camp outside
fore him. 4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced
the town. 19 Jacob bought the plot of land where he

him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. camped from the family of Hamor, the father of She
And they both wept. chem, for 100pieces of silver.* 20 And there he built

5 Then Esau looked at the women and children and

an altar and named it El-Elohe-Israel.*
asked, Who are these people with you?
These are the children God has graciously given Revenge against Shechem
to me, your servant, Jacob replied. 6 Then the servant
wives came forward with their children and bowed
before him. 7 Next came Leah with her children, and

34 One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and

Leah, went to visit some of the young women
who lived in the area. But when the local prince, She
2

they bowed before him. Finally, Joseph and Rachel chem son of Hamor the Hivite, saw Dinah, he seized
came forward and bowed before him. her and raped her. 3 But then he fell in love with her,

32:28Jacob sounds like the Hebrew words for heel and deceiver. Israel means God fights.32:31Hebrew Penuel, a variant spelling of Peniel.33:19Hebrew 100kesitahs;
the value or weight of the kesitah is no longer known.33:20El-Elohe-Israel means God, the God of Israel.
LIVING INSIGHTS

WRESTLE IN PRAYER Gen. 32:24-32 Jacob was THE TRAGEDY OF PASSIVITY Gen. 34:1-31 When
persistent as he wrestled with the angel. Why? He wanted Jacob hears of the rape of his daughter, Dinah, he does
a blessing from God. So much so that he wrestled all the nothing. Nothing. When Dinahs brothers retaliate by
way until dawn! deceiving and slaughtering the men of Shechem and
There is no use being timid in prayer. If there is one Jacob finds out about it, he is mainly concerned about
place we have the right to be bold before our God, it is in his public reputation among the people in the land.
prayer. I often pray, God, I boldly come before You, and I He shows no concern about the wrong done to his
have no reason to doubt You. I seek Your will, Your answers, daughter. Later, Jacobs son Reuben sleeps with Bilhah,
and Your blessing. Lord, I knock and knock on Your door, Jacobs concubine (Gen.35:22). Jacob hears about it,
and Ill be back again tomorrowknocking againbecause but it seems he again does nothing! Observe the fruit
I cant do this. Only You can. Ask. Seek. Knock. Wrestle of inaction in the life ofJacob: His passivity gives free
until the morning light. reigntoinjustice.
57 G e n e sis 3 4 : 3

What to Do When You Worry

GENESIS 3233

IN GE NE SIS 32, Jacob has good reason to worry. Years earlier, he had cheated his
brother,Esau, out of their fathers blessing. Now Jacob is about to face Esau again, and
histrickery cant sidestep the encounter. At first, Jacob seems to turn his worry over to
God. He prays for deliverance. But the very next morning, Jacob comes up with a plan.
Clearly he is still worrying.
Sometimes we pretend to trust God when were really just harboring worry. Worry
will knock on your door right after youve gotten off your knees. One moment you might
be pouring out your heart to God, but then you get off your knees and you are back
toworrying.
What can we do when worry knocks? I like to answer this question using four words
that start with the letter p. I recommend putting these words somewhere where you can
see them, like on your refrigerator, by the bed, or in your car.

 Acknowledge Gods presence. When you catch yourself worrying, acknowledge

Gods presence. Remind yourself, I am not alone. Revisit verses such as Isaiah 41:10,
Joshua1:9, and Matthew 28:20, which teach us how near God is to us.
 Turn to Gods promises. My mother used to make promise books. She would pull
together dozens of promises from Gods Word and craft them into a colorful little book
to give as a gift to a friend. If you worry a lot, you might want
to make yourself a personal promise notebook. Return to Dont let the
thosepromises when worry beats at the door. cares of this
 Pray a specific prayer. I dont mean a quick, general prayer or
some kind of clich. Imean a particular prayer for your particular
world hold
circumstance. If you have ever taken a long hike, you know youcaptive.
that when the group stops for a rest, you dont hang on to your
pack. You drop it to the ground. Thats what the Lord says to do in Psalm [Link] Give
your burdens to the Lord. Dont walk around with them on your back. Leave them with
Him. You do this by praying a very specific prayer.
 Exercise patience. Sometimes what we worry about wont be resolved quickly. We
cant just turn something over to the Lord in prayer at nine oclock and then expect it
to be gone by ten. As Psalm 27:14 says, Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and
courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

You might not think these four p words will make much difference. But if a doctor gives you
a prescription, can you tell by looking at the pills whether or not they will work? Of course
not! If you are a worrier, you might think, Thats a nice, neat little prescription, but it wont
work for me. Just try it! Dont let the cares of this world hold you captive.
G e n e sis 3 4 : 4 58

and he tried to win her affection with tender words. Then they slaughtered every male there, 26 including

4 He said to his father, Hamor, Get me this young girl.

Hamor and his son Shechem. They killed them with
I want to marry her. their swords, then took Dinah from Shechems house
5 Soon Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his

and returned to their camp.
daughter, Dinah. But since his sons were out in the 27 Meanwhile, the rest of Jacobs sons arrived.

fields herding his livestock, he said nothing until they Finding the men slaughtered, they plundered the
returned. 6 Hamor, Shechems father, came to discuss

town because their sister had been defiled there.
the matter with Jacob. 7 Meanwhile, Jacobs sons had
28 They seized all the flocks and herds and donkeys

come in from the field as soon as they heard what everything they could lay their hands on, both inside
had happened. They were shocked and furious that the town and outside in the fields. 29 They looted all

their sister had been raped. Shechem had done a dis- their wealth and plundered their houses. They also
graceful thing against Jacobs family,* something that took all their little children and wives and led them
should never be done. away as captives.
8 Hamor tried to speak with Jacob and his sons. My
30 Afterward Jacob said to Simeo

n and Levi, You
son Shechem is truly in love with your daughter, he have ruined me! Youve made me stink among all the
said. Please let him marry her. 9 In fact, lets arrange
people of this landamong all the Canaanites and
other marriages, too. You give us your daughters for Perizzites. We are so few that they will join forces
our sons, and we will give you our daughters for your and crush us. I will be ruined, and my entire house-
sons. 10 And you may live among us; the land is open

hold will be wiped out!
to you! Settle here and trade with us. And feel free to 31 But why should we let him treat our sister like a

buy property in the area. prostitute? they retorted angrily.

11 Then Shechem himself spoke to Dinahs father

and brothers. Please be kind to me, and let me marry Jacobs Return to Bethel
her, he begged. I will give you whatever you ask.
12 No matter what dowry or gift you demand, I will

gladly pay itjust give me the girl as my wife.

35 Then God said to Jacob, Get ready and move
to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there
to the God who appeared to you when you fled from
13 But since Shechem had defiled their sister, Di
your brother, Esau.
nah, Jacobs sons responded deceitfully to Shechem 2 So Jacob told everyone in his household, Get rid

and his father, Hamor. 14 They said to them, We of all your pagan idols, purify yourselves, and put on
couldnt possibly allow this, because youre not cir- clean clothing. 3 We are now going to Bethel, where

cumcised. It would be a disgrace for our sister to I will build an altar to the God who answered my
marry a man like you! 15 But here is a solution. If
prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me
every man among you will be circumcised like we are, wherever I have gone.
16 then we will give you our daughters, and well take
4 So they gave Jacob all their pagan idols and ear-

your daughters for ourselves. We will live among you rings, and he buried them under the great tree near
and become one people. 17 But if you dont agree to Shechem. 5 As they set out, a terror from God spread

be circumcised, we will take her and be on our way. over the people in all the towns of that area, so no one
18 Hamor and his son Shechem agreed to their pro-
attacked Jacobs family.
posal. 19 Shechem wasted no time in acting on this
6 Eventually, Jacob and his household arrived at Luz

request, for he wanted Jacobs daughter desperately. (also called Bethel) in Canaan. 7 Jacob built an altar

Shechem was a highly respected member of his fam there and named the place El-bethel (which means
ily, 20 and he went with his father, Hamor, to present

God of Bethel), because God had appeared to him
this proposal to the leaders at the town gate. there when he was fleeing from his brother, Esau.
21 These men are our friends, they said. Lets in-
8 Soon after this, Rebekahs old nurse, Deborah,

vite them to live here among us and trade freely. Look, died. She was buried beneath the oak tree in the val-
the land is large enough to hold them. We can take ley below Bethel. Ever since, the tree has been called
their daughters as wives and let them marry ours. Allon-bacuth (which means oak of weeping).
22 But they will consider staying here and becoming
9 Now that Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram,

one people with us only if all of our men are circum- God appeared to him again at Bethel. God blessed
cised, just as they are. 23 But if we do this, all their

him, 10 saying, Your name is Jacob, but you will not

livestock and possessions will eventually be ours. be called Jacob any longer. From now on your name
Come, lets agree to their terms and let them settle will be Israel.* So God renamed him Israel.
here among us. 11 Then God said, I am El-ShaddaiGod Almighty.

24 So all the men in the town council agreed with

Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great
Hamor and Shechem, and every male in the town nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your
was circumcised. 25 But three days later, when their

descendants! 12 And I will give you the land I once gave

wounds were still sore, two of Jacobs sons, Simeo n to Abraham and Isaac. Yes, I will give it to you and your
and Levi, who were Dinahs full brothers, took their descendants after you. 13 Then God went up from the

swords and entered the town without opposition. place where he had spoken to Jacob.
34:7Hebrew a disgraceful thing in Israel.35:10Jacob sounds like the Hebrew words for heel and deceiver. Israel means God fights.
59 G e n e sis 3 6 : 2 4

14 Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place

the wealth he had acquired in the land of Canaan
where God had spoken to him. Then he poured wine and moved away from his brother, Jacob. 7 There was

over it as an offering to God and anointed the pillar not enough land to support them both because of all
with olive oil. 15 And Jacob named the place Bethel

the livestock and possessions they had acquired. 8 So

(which means house of God), because God had spo- Esau (also known as Edom) settled in the hill country
ken to him there. of Seir.
9 This is the account of Esaus descendants, the

The Deaths of Rachel and Isaac Edomites, who lived in the hill country of Seir.
16 Leaving Bethel, Jacob and his clan moved on to- 10 These are the names of Esaus sons: Eliphaz, the

ward Ephrath. But Rachel went into labor while

son of Esaus wife Adah; and Reuel, the son of

they were still some distance away. Her labor pains
Esaus wife Basemath.
were intense. 17 After a very hard delivery, the mid-

11 The descendants of Eliphaz were Teman,

wife finally exclaimed, Dont be afraidyou have

Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. 12 Timna, the

another son! 18 Rachel was about to die, but with

concubine of Esaus son Eliphaz, gave birth to a

her last breath she named the baby Ben-oni (which

son named Amalek. These are the descendants
means son of my sorrow). The babys father, how-
ofEsaus wife Adah.
ever, called him Benjamin (which means son of my 13 The descendants of Reuel were Nahath,
right hand). 19 So Rachel died and was buried on the

Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These are the

way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a

descendants of Esaus wife Basemath.

stone monument over Rachels grave, and it can be 14 Esau also had sons through Oholibamah, the
seen there to this day.

21 Then Jacob* traveled on and camped beyond daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon.
Their names were Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

Migdal-eder. 22 While he was living there, Reuben

had intercourse with Bilhah, his fathers concubine, 15 These are the descendants of Esau who became the

and Jacob soon heard about it. leaders of various clans:

These are the names of the twelve sons of Jacob:
The descendants of Esaus oldest son, Eliphaz,
23 The sons of Leah were Reuben (Jacobs oldest son),
became the leaders of the clans of Teman, Omar,
Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Zepho, Kenaz, 16 Korah, Gatam, and Amalek.

24 The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin.

These are the clan leaders in the land of Edom
25 The sons of Bilhah, Rachels servant, were Dan and
who descended from Eliphaz. All these were
Naphtali. descendants of Esaus wife Adah.
26 The sons of Zilpah, Leahs servant, were Gad and
17 The descendants of Esaus son Reuel became

Asher. the leaders of the clans of Nahath, Zerah,

These are the names of the sons who were born to Shammah, and Mizzah. These are the clan
Jacob at Paddan-aram. leaders in the land of Edom who descended
27 So Jacob returned to his father, Isaac, in Mamre, from Reuel. All these were descendants of
Esaus wife Basemath.

which is near Kiriath-arba (now called Hebron), 18 The descendants of Esau and his wife
where Abraham and Isaac had both lived as foreign-

Oholibamah became the leaders of the clans

ers. 28 Isaac lived for 180years. 29 Then he breathed
of Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the

his last and died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors
clan leaders who descended from Esaus wife
in death. And his sons, Esau and Jacob, buriedhim.
Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.
19 These are the clans descended from Esau (also
Descendants of Esau

known as Edom), identified by their clan leaders.

36 This is the account of the descendants of
Esau (also known as Edom). 2 Esau married
two young women from Canaan: Adah, the daughter

Original Peoples of Edom

20 These are the names of the tribes that descended
of Elon the Hittite; and Oholibamah, the daughter

from Seir the Horite. They lived in the land of Edom:

of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite.
3 He also married his cousin Basemath, who was Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer, and Di

shan. These were the Horite clan leaders, the descen-

the daughter of Ishmael and the sister of Nebaioth.

4 Adah gave birth to a son named Eliphaz for Esau.

dants of Seir, who lived in the land of Edom.
Basemath gave birth to a son named Reuel. 5 Oholi 22 The descendants of Lotan were Hori and Hemam.

bamah gave birth to sons named Jeush, Jalam, and Lotans sister was named Timna.
Korah. All these sons were born to Esau in the land 23 The descendants of Shobal were Alvan, Manahath,

of Canaan. Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

6 Esau took his wives, his children, and his entire
24 The descendants of Zibeon were Aiah and Anah.

household, along with his livestock and cattleall (This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs
35:21Hebrew Israel; also in 35:22a. The names Jacob and Israel are often interchanged throughout the Old Testament, referring sometimes to the individual patriarch and
sometimes to the nation.
 G e n e sis 3 6 : 2 5 60

in the wilderness while he was grazing his Pinon, 42 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 43 Magdiel, and Iram.

fathers donkeys.) These are the leaders of the clans of Edom, listed
25 The descendants of Anah were his son, Dishon,
according to their settlements in the land they oc-
and his daughter, Oholibamah. cupied. They all descended from Esau, the ancestor
26 The descendants of Dishon* were Hemdan,
of the Edomites.
Eshban, Ithran, and Keran.
27 The descendants of Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan,
Josephs Dreams
andAkan.
28 The descendants of Dishan were Uz and Aran.

29 So these were the leaders of the Horite clans: Lotan,

37 So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan,
where his father had lived as a foreigner.
2 This is the account of Jacob and his famil y. When

Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 30 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.

Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended
The Horite clans are named after their clan leaders, his fathers flocks. He worked for his half brothers,
who lived in the land of Seir. the sons of his fathers wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But
Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things
Rulers of Edom his brothers were doing.
31 These are the kings who ruled in the land of Edom
3 Jacob* loved Joseph more than any of his other

before any king ruled over the Israelites*: children because Joseph had been born to him in
32 Bela son of Beor, who ruled in Edom from his city his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made
for Josepha beautiful robe.* 4 But his brothers

of Dinhabah.

33 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from hated Joseph because their father loved him more
than the rest of them. They couldnt say a kind word

Bozrahbecame king in his place.

34 When Jobab died, Husham from the land of to him.
5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told

theTemanites became king in his place.

35 When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad became his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever.
6 Listen to this dream, he said. 7 We were out in

king in his place and ruled from the city of Avith.

the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my

He was the one who defeated theMidianites in
bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered
the land of Moab.
36 When Hadad died, Samlah from the city around and bowed low before mine!
8 His brothers responded, So you think you will be

ofMasrekah became king in his place.

37 When Samlah died, Shaul from the city of our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign
over us? And they hated him all the more because of

Rehoboth-on-the-River became king in his place.

38 When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Acbor his dreams and the way he talked about them.
9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he

became king in his place.

39 When Baal-hanan son of Acbor died, Hadad* told his brothers about it. Listen, I have had another
dream, he said. The sun, moon, and eleven stars

became king in his place and ruled from the city

bowed low before me!
of Pau. His wife was Mehetabel, the daughter of 10 This time he told the dream to his father as well
Matred and granddaughter of Me-zahab.

as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. What

40 These are the names of the leaders of the clans

kind of dream is that? he asked. Will your mother
descended from Esau, who lived in the places named and I and your brothers actually come and bow to
for them: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah,
the ground before you? 11 But while his brothers

36:26Hebrew Dishan, a variant spelling of Dishon; compare 36:21, 28.36:31Or before an Israelite king ruled over them.36:39As in some Hebrew manuscripts,
Samaritan Pentateuch, and Syriac version (see also 1Chr 1:50); most Hebrew manuscripts read Hadar.37:3aHebrew Israel; also in 37:13. See note on 35:21.
37:3bTraditionally rendered a coat of many colors. The exact meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
LIVING INSIGHTS

JOSEPH: FAVORED SON OF A PASSIVE FATHER than giving his son some nice clothes to wear. It was a
Gen.37:1-36 Joseph was a young man who responded full-length coat, a sign of preeminence. Those who were
to broken dreams and impossible circumstances with a working hard wore sleeveless tunics, the ancient equivalent
strongfaith in the living God. His faith sustained him from of overalls. In a sleeveless tunic, a man could maneuver
the pit of slavery to the pinnacle of power. Josephs life is with freedom of movement. In contrast, Josephs robe likely
nothing short of remarkable. Yet when we first meet him, had long sleeves and extended down to his ankles. Thats
wesee the fallout that results from being the favored son not the kind of garb you wear to do manual work. If you
of a passive father. see a man dressed like that on a construction site, he isnt
there to break a sweat.
WORK CLOTHES Gen. 37:3-4 Josephs brothers knew
Jacob is saying to Joseph, Wear this. You wont work like
that their father had a favorite. Jacob didnt hide it! He
the others. Instead, youll be in charge. Jacob is fanning the
had a beautiful robe made for Joseph. Jacob is doing more
flames of jealousy among his sons.
61 G e n e sis 3 8 : 9

were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the went back to his brothers and lamented, The boy is
dreams meant. gone! What will I do now?
12 Soon after this, Josephs brothers went to pas-

31 Then the brothers killed a young goat and dipped

ture their fathers flocks at Shechem. 13 When they

Josephs robe in its blood. 32 They sent the beautiful

had been gone for some time, Jacob said to Joseph, robe to their father with this message: Look at what
Your brothers are pasturing the sheep at Shechem. we found. Doesnt this robe belong to your son?
Get ready, and I will send you to them. 33 Their father recognized it immediately. Yes,

Im ready to go, Joseph replied. he said, it is my sons robe. A wild animal must have
14 Go and see how your brothers and the flocks
eaten him. Joseph has clearly been torn to pieces!
are getting along, Jacob said. Then come back and 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself

bring me a report. So Jacob sent him on his way, and in burlap. He mourned deeply for his son for a long
Joseph traveled to Shechem from their home in the time. 35 His family all tried to comfort him, but he

valley of Hebron. refused to be comforted. I will go to my grave*

15 When he arrived there, a man from the area no-
mourning for my son, he would say, and then he
ticed him wandering around the countryside. What would weep.
36 Meanwhile, the Midianite traders* arrived in
are you looking for? he asked.

16 Im looking for my brothers, Joseph replied.

Egypt, where they sold Joseph to Potiphar, an officer
Do you know where they are pasturing their sheep? of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potip har was captain
17 Yes, the man told him. They have moved
of the palace guard.
on from here, but I heard them say, Lets go on to
Dothan. So Joseph followed his brothers to Dothan Judah and Tamar
and found them there.
38 About this time, Judah left home and moved
to Adullam, where he stayed with a man
named Hirah. 2 There he saw a Canaanite woman,
Joseph Sold into Slavery

18 When Josephs brothers saw him coming, they rec-

the daughter of Shua, and he married her. When
ognized him in the distance. As he approached, they he slept with her, 3 she became pregnant and gave

made plans to kill him. 19 Here comes the dreamer!

birth to a son, and he named the boy Er. 4 Then she

they said. 20 Come on, lets kill him and throw him

became pregnant again and gave birth to another son,
into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, and she named him Onan. 5 And when she gave birth

Awild animal has eaten him. Then well see what be to a third son, she named him Shelah. At the time of
comes of his dreams! Shelahs birth, they were living at Kezib.
6 In the course of time, Judah arranged for his first-
21 But when Reuben heard of their scheme, he

came to Josephs rescue. Lets not kill him, he said. born son, Er, to marry a young woman named Tamar.
7 But Er was a wicked man in the Lords sight, so the
22 Why should we shed any blood? Lets just throw

him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Lord took his life. 8 Then Judah said to Ers brother

Then hell die without our laying a hand on him. Onan, Go and marry Tamar, as our law requires of the
Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and brother of a man who has died. You must produce an
return him to his father. heir for your brother.
9 But Onan was not willing to have a child who
23 So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped

off the beautiful robe he was wearing. 24 Then they

would not be his own heir. So whenever he had
grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the intercourse with his brothers wife, he spilled the
cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 Then, 37:26Hebrew cover his blood.37:28Hebrew 20[shekels], about 8ounces or
228grams in weight.37:35Hebrew go down to Sheol.37:36Hebrew the
just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up Medanites. The relationship between the Midianites and Medanites is unclear;
and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming compare 37:28. See also 25:2.
toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders
taking a load of gum, balm, and aromatic resin from
LIVING INSIGHTS

Gilead down to Egypt. JOSEPH AND JESUS Gen. 37:18-36 Joseph does
26 Jud ah said to his brothers, What will we

not deserve slavery. But remember, God knows where
gain by killing our brother? Wed have to cover Joseph is. God knows how to arrange everything just
up the crime.* 27 Instead of hurting him, lets sell
right so that, when those family debts come due in later
him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is years, Joseph will be Gods man with Gods message.
our brotherour own flesh and blood! And his Joseph is the key to their future salvation.
brothers agreed. 28 So when the Ishmaelites, who

Do you know who models the whole message of
were Midianite traders, came by, Josephs brothers Joseph better than anyone who has ever lived? Jesus
pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them Christ. He was sent by the Father, misunderstood by
His brothers, hated by His own people, sold for a few
for twenty pieces* of silver. And the traders took
pieces of silver, nailed to a cross, and left to die. But
him to Egypt. the One who died was in fact the key to His peoples
29 Some time later, Reuben returned to get Joseph
future salvation.

out of the cistern. When he discovered that Joseph

was missing, he tore his clothes in grief. 30 Then he

 G e n e sis 3 8 : 1 0 62

semen on the ground. This prevented her from with her, and she became pregnant. 19 Afterward she

having a child who would belong to his brother. went back home, took off her veil, and put on her
10 But the Lord considered it evil for Onan to deny
widows clothing as usual.
a child to his dead brother. So the Lord took Onans 20 Later Judah asked his friend Hirah the Adullamite

life,too. to take the young goat to the woman and to pick up

11 Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law,
the things he had given her as his guarantee. But Hi
Go back to your parents home and remain a widow rah couldnt find her. 21 So he asked the men who lived

until my son Shelah is old enough to marry you. (But there, Where can I find the shrine prostitute who was
Judah didnt really intend to do this because he was sitting beside the road at the entrance to Enaim?
afraid Shelah would also die, like his two brothers.) So Weve never had a shrine prostitute here, they
Tamar went back to live in her fathers home. replied.
12 Some years later Judahs wife died. After the

22 So Hirah returned to Judah and told him, I

time of mourning was over, Judah and his friend Hi couldnt find her anywhere, and the men of the village
rah the Adullamite went up to Timnah to supervise claim theyve never had a shrine prostitute there.
23 Then let her keep the things I gave her, Judah
the shearing of his sheep. 13 Someone told Tamar,

Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to said. I sent the young goat as we agreed, but you
shear his sheep. couldnt find her. Wed be the laughingstock of the
14 Tamar was aware that Shelah had grown up, but

village if we went back again to look for her.
24 About three months later, Judah was told, Ta
no arrangements had been made for her to come

and marry him. So she changed out of her widows mar, your daughter-in-law, has acted like a prostitute.
clothing and covered herself with a veil to disguise And now, because of this, shes pregnant.
herself. Then she sat beside the road at the entrance Bring her out, and let her be burned! Judah
to the village of Enaim, which is on the road to Tim- demanded.
25 But as they were taking her out to kill her, she
nah. 15 Judah noticed her and thought she was a

sent this message to her father-in-law: The man who

prostitute, since she had covered her face. 16 So he

owns these things made me pregnant. Look closely.

stopped and propositioned her. Let me have sex

Whose seal and cord and walking stick are these?
with you, he said, not realizing that she was his own 26 Judah recognized them immediately and said,
daughter-in-law.

She is more righteous than I am, because I didnt

How much will you pay to have sex with me? arrange for her to marry my son Shelah. And Judah
Tamar asked. never slept with Tamar again.
17 Ill send you a young goat from my flock, Judah

27 When the time came for Tamar to give birth, it

promised. was discovered that she was carrying twins. 28 While

But what will you give me to guarantee that you she was in labor, one of the babies reached out his
will send the goat? she asked. hand. The midwife grabbed it and tied a scarlet
18 What kind of guarantee do you want? he replied.

string around the childs wrist, announcing, This

She answered, Leave me your identification seal one came out first. 29 But then he pulled back his

and its cord and the walking stick you are carrying. hand, and out came his brother! What! the mid-
So Judah gave them to her. Then he had intercourse wife exclaimed. How did you break out first? So
he was named Perez.* 30 Then the baby with the

scarlet string on his wrist was born, and he was

LIVING INSIGHTS

COMMITTED TO AN EMPLOYERS SUCCESS namedZerah.*

Gen.39:2-6 Joseph served Potiphar so well that
Potiphartrusted him with everything he owned, without Joseph in Potiphars House

39
reservation. As long as Joseph was around, Potiphars When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ish
mindwas free of worry. maelite traders, he was purchased by Poti
If you ever find a person like Joseph to work for you, phar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the
hire that person and never let him or her go. Often guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
those at thetop of a company, school, church, or orga- 2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in

nization succeed because they have people on their

everything he did as he served in the home of his
team who make the work a joy and delight. Potiphar
became a success because Joseph was committed to
Egyptian master. 3 Potiphar noticed this and realized

Potiphars success. that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in
Are you committed to your employers success? everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon

Do you work hard, for the Lord (Col. 3:23-24), so that made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in
those over you will succeed? Working so that those charge of his entire household and everything he
over you get the glory shows a true servants heart. owned. 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of

Such servants say, It doesnt really matter who gets his masters household and property, the Lord began
the glory. When you have such a philosophy for serv- to bless Potiphars household for Josephs sake. All
ing, as Joseph did, God will honor your attitude. his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and
38:29Perez means breaking out.38:30Zerah means scarlet or brightness.
63 G e n e sis 3 9 : 5

How to Say No
whenLustSaysYes
GENESIS 39

H OW CA N YOU S AY NO when lust says yes? These four musts can help:

 You must not be weakened by your situation. Whether you have time on your hands or
are exceedingly busy, whether you travel or never leave home, there will be situations
that lend themselves to lust. Satan is so deceitful and tricky. He knows the precise
kind of situation you will need in order to yield, and he will set you up. Every one of us
knows what this looks and feels like. We must not be weakened by the situation but be
ready for it.
 You must not be deceived, no matter what the persuasion. Once the setting is set, then
comes the coaxing: By doing this, you will prove you really care for me. Who will
ever find out? Were perfectly safe. Look, were going to be married in a few months,
so what does it matter? No one is immune to this kind of temptation. It doesnt matter
who you are, or where you live, or what your job is, or who your family is. The same is
true for those you know and love. One of your constant prayers
for those you care about ought to be in the realm of temptation. If youre now
Pray about this for our missionaries. Pray about this for your
considering
pastor. Pray about this for your loved ones.
 You must not be gentle with your emotions. I think you have the thought of
to take temptation by the throat. If a bonfire burst out in the giving in, it is
back of your church, would you casually ask the deacons to just
only a matter
splash a little water on it? If you had a big hole in the bottom of
your boat, would you shove a little paper napkin down in the hole oftime before
and say, If we think positive thoughts, water wont come in? you yield.
If you came across a coiled rattlesnake, would you sit down and
say to the snake, What would you think about moving over? No! You kill that snake or
run. You patch that boat or bail. You quench that fire or die! If temptation lurks, you have
to be rugged and harsh with your emotions. Stop telling yourself, I cant resist. Be stern
with yourself.
 You must not be confused by the immediate results. Its not enough to think, The next
time Im tempted, Im just going to resist, and Ill never face that problem again. It might
be gone for a moment, but before you know it, it will return. Dont be confused by that.
Satan came to the Lord Jesus three times in a row. He came to Gods greatest servants
time after time, and he will continue to come to us all. He despises a negative response,
and he will try again and again. But remember Genesis [Link] The Lord was with
[Joseph] and caused everything he did to succeed.

If you have begun to compromise your standards, to relax your resolve, to entertain thoughts
of yes, then may God bring you back to a full commitment to purity. I promise you on the
basis of the Word of God and years of experience that if youre now considering thethought
of giving in, it is only a matter of time before you yield.
 G e n e sis 3 9 : 6 64

livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph com-

Joseph Put in Prison
plete administrative responsibility over everything 19 Potiphar was furious when he heard his wifes story

he owned. With Joseph there, he didnt worry about about how Joseph had treated her. 20 So he took Jo

a thingexcept what kind of food to eat! seph and threw him into the prison where the kings
Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young prisoners were held, and there he remained. 21 But

man, 7 and Potiphars wife soon began to look at him

the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed
lustfully. Come and sleep with me, she demanded. him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a
8 But Joseph refused. Look, he told her, my mas-

favorite with the prison warden. 22 Before long, the

ter trusts me with everything in his entire household. warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prison-
9 No one here has more authority than I do. He has

ers and over everything that happened in the prison.
held back nothing from me except you, because you 23 The warden had no more worries, because Joseph

are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It took care of everything. The Lord was with him and
would be a great sin against God. caused everything he did to succeed.
10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after

day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept Joseph Interprets Two Dreams
out of her way as much as possible. 11 One day, how-
ever, no one else was around when he went in to do
his work. 12 She came and grabbed him by his cloak,

40 Some time later, Pharaohs chief cup-bearer

and chief baker offended their royal master.
2 Pharaoh became angry with these two officials, 3 and

demanding, Come on, sleep with me! Joseph tore he put them in the prison where Joseph was, in the
himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he palace of the captain of the guard. 4 They remained

ran from the house. in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the
13 When she saw that she was holding his cloak and
guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.
he had fled, 14 she called out to her servants. Soon all
5 While they were in prison, Pharaohs cup-bearer

the men came running. Look! she said. My husband and baker each had a dream one night, and each dream
has brought this Hebrew slave here to make fools of had its own meaning. 6 When Joseph saw them the

us! He came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset.
15 When he heard me scream, he ran outside and got
7 Why do you look so worried today? he asked them.

away, but he left his cloak behind with me. 8 And they replied, We both had dreams last night,

16 She kept the cloak with her until her husband

but no one can tell us what they mean.
came home. 17 Then she told him her story. That He-
Interpreting dreams is Gods business, Joseph
brew slave youve brought into our house tried to come replied. Go ahead and tell me your dreams.
in and fool around with me, she said. 18 But when 9 So the chief cup-bearer told Joseph his dream first.

Iscreamed, he ran outside, leaving his cloak with me! In my dream, he said, I saw a grapevine in front of
LIVING INSIGHTS

TEMPTATION COMES IN ALL FORMS Gen. 39:6 There enjoying the warm embrace of lust for a season, we must
is nothing wrong with being handsome and well-built. But choose instead to resist its persistent, alluring offer in favor
it leads to unique temptations, just as having riches does. of righteousness. Joseph remains a sterling example that
Joseph is not only a man who has fame, a position, his own teaches us how to do this.
private quarters, and the trust of his employer, but he is also How does Joseph resist? He is not in a public place. He
a single man who catches the eye of women. is in a private chamber, perfectly secluded, with the masters
Of course, temptation is not always in the sexual realm. wife, who set him up perfectly for this moment of pleasure.
There are material temptations. You can be tempted by He is unmarried, and the most natural response in the world
things as big as a home or as small as a ring. We can be is to yield. But Josephs God is more important to him than
tempted by things that appear glamorous and dazzling, anything on earth. So he says to her, This is a wicked thing,
such as a new car or a h undred-year-old antique. Material a sin against God. That is how Joseph resisted, and that is
things can tempt us just as much as the physical desires how we can too. God must be real tous.
and drives of life.
THE ENEMYS TACTICS Gen. 39:10-12 Humanly
We also face temptations in the personal realm. We can
speaking, everything demanded that Joseph yield to
be tempted to chase titles, recognition, or positions. These
temptation. It came daily, and it was anything but subtle.
desires can become such obsessions for us that they are
It must have been wearying. Giving in would relieve him
as lustful as the drive for sexual satisfaction.
ofthe need to constantly refuse Potiphars wife.
RESISTING TEMPTATION Gen. 39:8-9 There is no The enemy has a way of setting a perfect scene for
doubt that yielding to temptation is much easier than temptation to run its course. He will give you sufficient
resisting itat least at first. But for those who do yield, the privacy. He will flatter your ego. He will try to convince you:
path of life is strewn with the litter of remorse and shame. Look, youre secure. Theres no way you will be found out.
Their souls grow sick, not from longing to taste forbidden Everything is fine. You would be a fool not to do this. After
fruit, but from having tasted it. If we wish to avoid such soul all, no one will ever know the difference. Its all part of the
sickness, we must resist temptation. We must! Rather than tempters approach. We have to be ready for the lies.
65 G e n e sis 4 0 : 9

P E O P L E P R O F I L E S

Joseph
P R OV I D E N C E M A D E P E R S O N A L

T he story of Joseph is a story of someone who had incred- Q U I C K FA C T S

>> SETTING Canaan, Egypt
ible swings of fortune throughout his life. Joseph was the
>> OCCUPATIONS Shepherd, slave, convict,
second youngest of twelve brothers, but he held a special
ruler
place in his fathers heart (Gen. 37:3). Josephs brothers >> RELATIVES Parents: Jacob and Rachel;
didnt take kindly to that kind of favoritism (Gen.37:4), Siblings: Eleven brothers and one sister;
and Joseph certainly didnt help matters. He tattled on his Wife: Asenath; Sons: Manasseh and
Ephraim
brothers (Gen.37:2) and gleefully recounted his dreams of
ruling over them (Gen.37:5-9).
KEY LESSONS
Its not too difficult to see ominous storm clouds >> What matters is not so much the events
forming overhead for Joseph. Cant you imagine these or circumstances of life, but our response
brothers lying awake at night plotting revenge? So one day to them.
>> With Gods help, any situation can be
when they saw him alone and vulnerable, they concocted
used for good, even when others intend
a plan and hastened to carry it out. They captured Joseph it for evil.
and threw him into a cistern, fully expecting that he would
die there. But a caravan of Ishmaelites came along on LEARN MORE
their way to Egypt. So his brothers sold Joseph to the Josephs story is told in Genesis [Link].
He is also mentioned in Exodus 13:19;
Ishmaelites, earning a little money and ridding themselves Deuteronomy 33:13-17; Joshua 24:32;
of their brother in one stroke. Psalm 105:16-22; Acts 7:9-14; and
As time passed, Josephs brothers wrote him off for Hebrews11:22.
good, but God didnt. Joseph was taken to Egypt, where
he was sold to Potiphar, one of the pharaohs officials. There, God watched over Joseph so that
he succeeded in everything he did (Gen.39:2)to the point that he was placed in charge of
Potiphars household. But then, because of a false accusation by Potiphars wife, Joseph was
thrown into prison, where he lived in undeserved punishment. But through a beautifully and
divinely orchestrated chain of events (Gen.[Link]), he gained the pharaohs confidence
andwas promoted to the position of prime minister (Gen.41:39-45).
Throughout this time, Josephs brothers didnt know what had become of him. Jacob, of
course, thought his son was dead (Gen.37:33-34). But in Genesis 45 we see the culmination
ofa family reunion that could never be forgotten. Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, saying,
Iam Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But dont be upset, and dont
beangry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you
(Gen.45:4-5).
Did Joseph have some kind of mental block? Had he forgotten that his brothers had done
him such an incredible wrong? Nohe remembered being wrestled down, stripped of his tunic,
thrown into the cistern, and sold to the caravan. But Joseph had experienced growth since his
childhood. Certainly he had struggled with anger and bitterness. Surely he had savored thoughts
of revenge. Yet Joseph could see Gods hand at work through the years. Ultimately, thats how
he could forgive his brothers. Thats how he could sum it up in the end by saying, You intended
to harm me, but God intended it all for good (Gen.50:20).
 G e n e sis 4 0 : 1 0 66

me. 10 The vine had three branches that began to bud

cows stood beside the fat cows on the riverbank.
and blossom, and soon it produced clusters of ripe 4 Then the scrawny, thin cows ate the seven healthy,

grapes. 11I was holding Pharaohs wine cup in my hand,

fat cows! At this point in the dream, Pharaoh woke up.
so I took a cluster of grapes and squeezed the juice 5 But he fell asleep again and had a second dream.

into the cup. Then I placed the cup in Pharaohs hand. This time he saw seven heads of grain, plump and
12 This is what the dream means, Joseph said.
beautiful, growing on a single stalk. 6 Then seven more

The three branches represent three days. 13 Within heads of grain appeared, but these were shriveled and
three days Pharaoh will lift you up and restore you to withered by the east wind. 7 And these thin heads swal-

your position as his chief cup-bearer. 14 And please lowed up the seven plump, well-formed heads! Then
remember me and do me a favor when things go well Pharaoh woke up again and realized it was a dream.
for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me 8 The next morning Pharaoh was very disturbed by

out of this place. 15 For I was kidnapped from my

the dreams. So he called for all the magicians and wise
homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now Im here men of Egypt. When Pharaoh told them his dreams,
in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it. not one of them could tell him what they meant.
16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given

9 Finally, the kings chief cup-bearer spoke up.

the first dream such a positive interpretation, he said Today I have been reminded of my failure, he told
to Joseph, I had a dream, too. In my dream there were Pharaoh. 10 Some time ago, you were angry with the

three baskets of white pastries stacked on my head. chief baker and me, and you imprisoned us in the pal-
17 The top basket contained all kinds of pastries for
ace of the captain of the guard. 11 One night the chief

Pharaoh, but the birds came and ate them from the baker and I each had a dream, and each dream had
basket on my head. its own meaning. 12 There was a young Hebrew man

18 This is what the dream means, Joseph told him.

with us in the prison who was a slave of the captain
The three baskets also represent three days. 19 Three of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he told
days from now Pharaoh will lift you up and impale us what each of our dreams meant. 13 And everything

your body on a pole. Then birds will come and peck happened just as he had predicted. I was restored to
away at your flesh. my position as cup-bearer, and the chief baker was
20 Pharaohs birthday came three days later, and he
executed and impaled on a pole.
prepared a banquet for all his officials and staff. He 14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was

summoned* his chief cup-bearer and chief baker to quickly brought from the prison. After he shaved and
join the other officials. 21 He then restored the chief
changed his clothes, he went in and stood before Pha
cup-bearer to his former position, so he could again raoh. 15 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, I had a dream

hand Pharaoh his cup. 22 But Pharaoh impaled the

last night, and no one here can tell me what it means.
chief baker, just as Joseph had predicted when he But I have heard that when you hear about a dream
interpreted his dream. 23 Pharaohs chief cup-bearer,
you can interpret it.
however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him 16 It is beyond my power to do this, Joseph re-

another thought. plied. But God can tell you what it means and set
you at ease.
Pharaohs Dreams 17 So Pharaoh told Joseph his dream. In my dream,

41 Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he

was standing on the bank of the Nile River. 2 In
his dream he saw seven fat, healthy cows come up

he said, I was standing on the bank of the Nile River,
18 and I saw seven fat, healthy cows come up out of

the river and begin grazing in the marsh grass. 19 But

out of the river and begin grazing in the marsh grass. then I saw seven sick-looking cows, scrawny and
3 Then he saw seven more cows come up behind them
thin, come up after them. Ive never seen such sorry-
from the Nile, but these were scrawny and thin. These looking animals in all the land of Egypt. 20 These thin,

40:20Hebrew He lifted up the head of.

LIVING INSIGHTS

WHILE YOURE WAITING Gen. 40:20-23 Sometimes GIVE GOD THE CREDIT Gen. 41:16 Joseph humbles
we find ourselves in the same place Joseph was while in himself under the mighty power of God (see 1Pet. 5:6).
jail: waiting. During your waiting period, trust God without When Pharaoh comes to him and thinks Joseph is the one
panicking. Count on Him to handle the cup-bearers of your with all the answers, Joseph immediately shifts the focus
life: those people who reject you, who forget you, who break toGod. Its not me, Pharaohits God!
their promises to you. Dealing with the cup-bearers is Gods Do people seek your counsel or advice? Do they know it
job. Its your job to be the kind of servant He has called is God who gives wisdom? Are you a writer? Do your read-
you to be. While you wait, be faithful in the little things. God ers know that God gives you the guidance and He alone
will not forget you or forsake youno matter how long you deserves the glory? Are you a parent? Do your children
wait on Him. know that God gave them to you, and the credit for the
blessing of your family goes to God? Whatever your situa-
tion, give God the credit. Thats what youre theretodo.
67 G e n e sis 4 1 : 5 7

scrawny cows ate the seven fat cows. 21 But afterward

the command was shouted, Kneel down! So Pha
you wouldnt have known it, for they were still as thin raoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt. 44 And Pha

and scrawny as before! Then I woke up. raoh said to him, I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift
22 In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain,

a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without
full and beautiful, growing on a single stalk. 23 Then
yourapproval.
seven more heads of grain appeared, but these were 45 Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name,

blighted, shriveled, and withered by the east wind. Zaphenath-paneah.* He also gave him a wife, whose
24 And the shriveled heads swallowed the seven

name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiph
healthy heads. I told these dreams to the magicians, era, the priest of On.* So Joseph took charge of the
but no one could tell me what they mean. entire land of Egypt. 46 He was thirty years old when

25 Joseph responded, Both of Pharaohs dreams

he began serving in the court of Pharaoh, the king of
mean the same thing. God is telling Pharaoh in ad- Egypt. And when Joseph left Pharaohs presence, he
vance what he is about to do. 26 The seven healthy

inspected the entire land of Egypt.
cows and the seven healthy heads of grain both rep- 47 As predicted, for seven years the land produced

resent seven years of prosperity. 27 The seven thin,

bumper crops. 48 During those years, Joseph gathered

scrawny cows that came up later and the seven thin all the crops grown in Egypt and stored the grain
heads of grain, withered by the east wind, represent from the surrounding fields in the cities. 49 He piled

seven years of famine. up huge amounts of grain like sand on the seashore.
28 This will happen just as I have described it, for

Finally, he stopped keeping records because there
God has revealed to Pharaoh in advance what he is was too much to measure.
about to do. 29 The next seven years will be a period of
50 During this time, before the first of the famine

great prosperity throughout the land of Egypt. 30 But

years, two sons were born to Joseph and his wife,
afterward there will be seven years of famine so great Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.
that all the prosperity will be forgotten in Egypt. Fam- 51 Joseph named his older son Manasseh,* for he

ine will destroy the land. 31 This famine will be so se-

said, God has made me forget all my troubles and
vere that even the memory of the good years will be everyone in my fathers family. 52 Joseph named his

erased. 32 As for having two similar dreams, it means

second son Ephraim,* for he said, God has made me
that these events have been decreed by God, and he fruitful in this land of my grief.
will soon make them happen. 53 At last the seven years of bumper crops through-

33 Therefore, Pharaoh should find an intelligent

out the land of Egypt came to an end. 54 Then the

and wise man and put him in charge of the entire seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had pre-
land of Egypt. 34 Then Pharaoh should appoint su-

dicted. The famine also struck all the surrounding
pervisors over the land and let them collect one- countries, but throughout Egypt there was plenty
fifth of all the crops during the seven good years. of food. 55 Eventually, however, the famine spread

35 Have them gather all the food produced in the

throughout the land of Egypt as well. And when the
good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pha people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told them,
raohs storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so Go to Joseph, and do whatever he tells you. 56 So

there will be food in the cities. 36 That way there will

with severe famine everywhere, Joseph opened up
be enough to eat when the seven years of famine the storehouses and distributed grain to the Egyp-
come to the land of Egypt. Otherwise this famine tians, for the famine was severe throughout the land
will destroy the land. of Egypt. 57 And people from all around came to Egypt

to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was se-

Joseph Made Ruler of Egypt vere throughout the world.
37 Josephs

suggestions were well received by Pha
raoh and his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked his of-
41:45aZaphenath-paneah probably means God speaks and lives.41:45bGreek
version reads of Heliopolis; also in 41:50.41:51Manasseh sounds like a Hebrew
ficials, Can we find anyone else like this man so term that means causing to forget.41:52Ephraim sounds like a Hebrew term
obviously filled with the spirit of God? 39 Then
that means fruitful.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has revealed the

meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else
LIVING INSIGHTS

is as intelligent or wise as you are. 40 You will be in

GREAT BLESSINGS Gen. 41:41-57 Often when
charge of my court, and all my people will take or- blessings come to someone else, we seem to develop
ders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have some kind of suspicion, as though prosperity some-
a rank higher than yours. how means the recipient is unsavory. Instead, we who
41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, I hereby put you in

observe that person ought to be saying, Praise God!
charge of the entire land of Egypt. 42 Then Pharaoh

The Lord has raised up that individual for His glory,
removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it to be used in that particular place for opportunities
I could never reach. May the blessings increase, and
on Josephs finger. He dressed him in fine linen cloth-
may her generosity increase. May his ear never be
ing and hung a gold chain around his neck. 43 Then

closed to the hurting!

he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his
second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went,
 G e n e sis 4 2 : 1 68

Josephs Brothers Go to Egypt and get your brother. Ill keep the rest of you here

42 When Jacob heard that grain was avail-

able in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why are
you standing around looking at one another? 2 I
in prison. Then well find out whether or not your
story is true. By the life of Pharaoh, if it turns out that
you dont have a younger brother, then Ill know you
have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, arespies.
and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise 17 So Joseph put them all in prison for three days.

welldie. 18 On the third day Joseph said to them, I am a God-

3 So Josephs ten older brothers went down to

fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live. 19 If you

Egypt to buy grain. 4 But Jacob wouldnt let Josephs

really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to
younger brother, Benjamin, go with them, for fear remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with
some harm might come to him. 5 So Jacobs* sons
grain for your starving families. 20 But you must bring

arrived in Egypt along with others to buy food, for your youngest brother back to me. This will prove
the famine was in Canaan as well. that you are telling the truth, and you will not die.
6 Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in

To this they agreed.
charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to 21 Speaking among themselves, they said, Clearly

him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they we are being punished because of what we did to
bowed before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded
7 Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pre-

for his life, but we wouldnt listen. Thats why were in
tended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. this trouble.
Where are you from? he demanded. 22 Didnt I tell you not to sin against the boy?

From the land of Canaan, they replied. We have Reuben asked. But you wouldnt listen. And now we
come to buy food. have to answer for his blood!
8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they
23 Of course, they didnt know that Joseph under-

didnt recognize him. 9 And he remembered the

stood them, for he had been speaking to them
dreams hed had about them many years before. He through an interpreter. 24 Now he turned away from

said to them, You are spies! You have come to see them and began to weep. When he regained his
how vulnerable our land has become. composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose
10 No, my lord! they exclaimed. Your servants

Simeo n from among them and had him tied up right
have simply come to buy food. 11 We are all brothers

before their eyes.
members of the same famil y. We are honest men, sir! 25 Joseph then ordered his servants to fill the mens

We are not spies! sacks with grain, but he also gave secret instructions
12 Yes, you are! Joseph insisted. You have come

to return each brothers payment at the top of his
to see how vulnerable our land has become. sack. He also gave them supplies for their journey
13 Sir, they said, there are actually twelve of us.

home. 26 So the brothers loaded their donkeys with

We, your servants, are all brothers, sons of a man liv- the grain and headed for home.
ing in the land of Canaan. Our youngest brother is 27 But when they stopped for the night and one of

back there with our father right now, and one of our them opened his sack to get grain for his donkey, he
brothers is no longer with us. found his money in the top of his sack. 28 Look! he

14 But Joseph insisted, As I said, you are spies!

exclaimed to his brothers. My money has been re-
15 This is how I will test your story. I swear by the life

turned; its here in my sack! Then their hearts sank.
of Pharaoh that you will never leave Egypt unless your Trembling, they said to each other, What has God
youngest brother comes here! 16 One of you must go

done to us?
42:5Hebrew Israels. See note on 35:21.
LIVING INSIGHTS

CRACKING THE CONSCIENCE Gen. 42:1-28 someone else. When the harm, hurt, or pain we once
Putyourself in the place of Josephs brothers. If they caused someone else is visited upon us, something
knew who Joseph was, they would be at a loss for changes inside us. God begins to crack us, and then,
words!They would not know what to say, and likely tosoften us.
theywould run fortheirlives. God also activates our consciences when we receive
But they have no clue they are talking to Joseph. undeserved expressions of grace. The brothers deserved
They only know they are in distress, and it reminds no grain, no money, and no mercy. They deserved prison
them of the distress they caused their brother. All of for the rest of their lives. They deserved death! Yet
a sudden, the conscience that was seared begins they wound up with life, freedom, food, and all of their
tocrack. money returned.
God often activates a seared conscience when we
arevictims of treatment similar to what we once gave
69 G e n e sis 4 2 : 2 8

Overcoming Negativity
GENESIS [Link]

M OST P E OP LE have developed three basic reactions in response to the disappointments

of life:
First, we tend to respond negatively rather than positively. When things begin to turn
against us, or when we face a larger challenge than we know how to handle, our immediate
reaction tends to be negative rather than positive.
Second, we tend to view problems horizontally rather than vertically. By horizontally,
I mean strictly from a human point of view. We omit the vertical view that takes God into
account. We tend to leave God out of the picture until we find ourselves with our backs
against the wall. Then, and only then, we might consider the vertical.
Third, we tend to resist what is new rather than embrace it. This often occurs when it
appears were getting something for nothing. It seems too good to be true. Although that
might be the case most of the time, it isnt that way with God. For
example, salvation really is free. But it is our tendency, because of If you are
the failure, difficulty, and hardship we have experienced, to resist negative today,
what is new rather than embrace it.
the chances are
These three problems tend to intensify as we grow older. Jacob
had trouble walking with God all his life. Even as an old man, he very, very good
constantly wrestled with negativism, a horizontal viewpoint, and a youre going
closed, resisting mind.
to be negative
How can we get beyond these tendencies in ourselves? Here
are some techniques that have worked for me: tomorrow.
 Recognize and admit your negative mentality. Dont deny it. Be up front and
acknowledge it. So much of the cure is in the confession. Correction begins with
admission.
 Force a vertical focus until it begins to flow naturally. Learn to ask questions like
CouldGod be in this? Is God trying to get through to me? Or ask God, How would
You react to this, Lord? Or pray, Lord, Im not sure what to do, but I know what I
want to do is wrong. I invite You to come in and help me deal with this. Remind me of
what Your Word says about this. Give me strength to wait. I want to see You in this.
Thats forcing a vertical focus.
 Stay open to a new idea for at least five minutes. Just give it five minutes! See if your
response changes at all. Look at it from more than one perspective. Dont dismiss it
outof hand.

You might wonder why all this work is required. Its simple: I have never seen a bad habit
just lie down by itself and die. If you are negative today, the chances are very, very good
youre going to be negative tomorrow. You might be even better at it tomorrow because
youll have one more day of experience under your belt. We dont naturally get better at
living a positive Christian lifewe get worse at it. I dont mean we should live in a dream
world. Im saying we should realistically recognize the presence of God in our lives. That is
not only possible, it is preferred. Thats the way to live.
 G e n e sis 4 2 : 2 9 70

29 When the brothers came to their father, Jacob,

man said, You wont see my face again unless your
in the land of Canaan, they told him everything that brother is with you.
had happened to them. 30 The man who is governor
6 Why were you so cruel to me? Jacob* moaned.

of the land spoke very harshly to us, they told him. Why did you tell him you had another brother?
He accused us of being spies scouting the land. 7 The man kept asking us questions about our

31 But wesaid, We are honest men, not spies. 32 We

family, they replied. He asked, Is your father still
are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One brother alive? Do you have another brother? So we answered
is no longer with us, and the youngest is at home with his questions. How could we know he would say,
our father in the land of Canaan. Bring your brother down here?
33 Then the man who is governor of the land told
8 Judah said to his father, Send the boy with me,

us, This is how I will find out if you are honest men. and we will be on our way. Otherwise we will all die
Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take of starvationand not only we, but you and our little
grain for your starving families and go on home. ones. 9 I personally guarantee his safety. You may hold

34 But you must bring your youngest brother back

me responsible if I dont bring him back to you. Then
to me. Then I will know you are honest men and not let me bear the blame forever. 10 If we hadnt wasted

spies. Then I will give you back your brother, and you all this time, we could have gone and returned twice
may trade freely in the land. by now.
35 As they emptied out their sacks, there in each

11 So their father, Jacob, finally said to them, If it

mans sack was the bag of money he had paid for the cant be avoided, then at least do this. Pack your bags
grain! The brothers and their father were terrified with the best products of this land. Take them down
when they saw the bags of money. 36 Jacob exclaimed, to the man as giftsbalm, honey, gum, aromatic resin,
You are robbing me of my children! Joseph is gone! pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Also take double the

Simeon is gone! And now you want to take Benjamin, money that was put back in your sacks, as it was prob-
too. Everything is going against me! ably someones mistake. 13 Then take your brother,

37 Then Reuben said to his father, You may kill my

and go back to the man. 14 May God Almighty* give

two sons if I dont bring Benjamin back to you. Ill be you mercy as you go before the man, so that he will
responsible for him, and I promise to bring himback. release Simeon and let Benjamin return. But if I must
38 But Jacob replied, My son will not go down with
lose my children, so be it.
you. His brother Joseph is dead, and he is all I have 15 So the men packed Jacobs gifts and double the

left. If anything should happen to him on your jour- money and headed off with Benjamin. They finally
ney, you would send this grieving, white-haired man arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph.
to his grave.* 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to

the manager of his household, These men will eat

The Brothers Return to Egypt with me this noon. Take them inside the palace. Then

43 But the famine continued to ravage the land

of Canaan. 2 When the grain they had brought

from Egypt was almost gone, Jacob said to his sons,

go slaughter an animal, and prepare a big feast. 17 So
the man did as Joseph told him and took them into
Josephs palace.

Go back and buy us a little more food. 18 The brothers were terrified when they saw that

3 But Judah said, The man was serious when he

they were being taken into Josephs house. Its be-
warned us, You wont see my face again unless your cause of the money someone put in our sacks last
brother is with you. 4 If you send Benjamin with us,

time we were here, they said. He plans to pretend
we will go down and buy more food. 5 But if you dont
that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves,
let Benjamin go, we wont go either. Remember, the and take our donkeys.
42:38Hebrew to Sheol.43:6Hebrew Israel; also in 43:11. See note on 35:21.43:14Hebrew El-Shaddai.
LIVING INSIGHTS

NEGATIVE THINKING Gen. [Link] Jacobs sons Iwould have said, Trust God, boys. Were going to wait on
now counsel their father. Isnt Jacob supposed to be the the Lord.
spiritual leader? He is the patriarch! But here, the Spirit of Oh really? So, why didnt you do that last week? What
God puts the zoom lens behind the door of the tent, and kept you from seeing Gods hand in the thing you couldnt
we see Jacob pulling his hair out, spiritually speaking. He handle just last month? Ill tell you: negative thinking,
is thinking, in effect, Where is God in this? Everything is a self-centered viewpoint, and a mind closed to the
againstme! unexpected. Humanly speaking, you and I will default to
Its one thing for us to sit down in comfort and read expecting defeat and living a life that leaves God out of
the story, black print on white pages, and just ho-hum our thepicture.
way through Genesis because we already know the ending.
Its easy for us to say, Well, I would not have done that.
71 G e n e sis 4 4 : 1 4

A Feast at Josephs Palace 34 And Joseph filled their plates with food from his

19 The

brothers approached the manager of Josephs own table, giving Benjamin five times as much as
household and spoke to him at the entrance to the he gave the others. So they feasted and drank freely
palace. 20 Sir, they said, we came to Egypt once be-

with him.
fore to buy food. 21 But as we were returning home,

we stopped for the night and opened our sacks. Then Josephs Silver Cup
we discovered that each mans moneythe exact
amount paidwas in the top of his sack! Here it is;
we have brought it back with us. 22 We also have ad-
44 When his brothers were ready to leave, Joseph
gave these instructions to his palace man-
ager: Fill each of their sacks with as much grain as
ditional money to buy more food. We have no idea they can carry, and put each mans money back into
who put our money in our sacks. his sack. 2 Then put my personal silver cup at the

23 Relax. Dont be afraid, the household manager

top of the youngest brothers sack, along with the
told them. Your God, the God of your father, must money for his grain. So the manager did as Joseph
have put this treasure into your sacks. I know I re- instructed him.
ceived your payment. Then he released Simeo n and 3 The brothers were up at dawn and were sent on

brought him out to them. their journey with their loaded donkeys. 4 But when

24 The manager then led the men into Josephs pal-

they had gone only a short distance and were barely
ace. He gave them water to wash their feet and pro- out of the city, Joseph said to his palace manager,
vided food for their donkeys. 25 They were told they
Chase after them and stop them. When you catch up
would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for with them, ask them, Why have you repaid my kind-
Josephs arrival at noon. ness with such evil? 5 Why have you stolen my mas-

26 When Joseph came home, they gave him the

ters silver cup,* which he uses to predict the future?
gifts they had brought him, then bowed low to the What a wicked thing you have done!
ground before him. 27 After greeting them, he asked,

6 When the palace manager caught up with the

How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is men, he spoke to them as he had been instructed.
he still alive? 7 What are you talking about? the brothers re-

28 Yes, they replied. Our father, your servant, is

sponded. We are your servants and would never do
alive and well. And they bowed low again. such a thing! 8 Didnt we return the money we found

29 Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin,

in our sacks? We brought it back all the way from the
the son of his own mother. Is this your youngest land of Canaan. Why would we steal silver or gold
brother, the one you told me about? Joseph asked. from your masters house? 9 If you find his cup with

May God be gracious to you, my son. 30 Then Jo any one of us, let that man die. And all the rest of us,
seph hurried from the room because he was over- my lord, will be your slaves.
come with emotion for his brother. He went into 10 Thats fair, the man replied. But only the one

his private room, where he broke down and wept. who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you
31 After washing his face, he came back out, keeping
may go free.
himself under control. Then he ordered, Bring out 11 They all quickly took their sacks from the backs

the food! of their donkeys and opened them. 12 The palace

32 The waiters served Joseph at his own table,

manager searched the brothers sacks, from the old-
and his brothers were served at a separate table. est to the youngest. And the cup was found in Benja
The Egyptians who ate with Joseph sat at their own mins sack! 13 When the brothers saw this, they tore

table, because Egyptians despise Hebrews and refuse their clothing in despair. Then they loaded their don-
to eat with them. 33 Joseph told each of his broth-
keys again and returned to the city.
ers where to sit, and to their amazement, he seated 14 Joseph was still in his palace when Judah and

them according to age, from oldest to youngest. his brothers arrived, and they fell to the ground
44:5As in Greek version; Hebrew lacks this phrase.
LIVING INSIGHTS

ABUNDANT GRACE Gen. 43:18-34 Josephs brothers thinking, Thats Benjamin! Thats my brother! I havent
expected punishment. Instead, they sit before a table full of been able to give to him for all these years. Nows
everything they have ever loved to eat. Where I come from, mychance!
it would be T-bone steaks, fried okra, cornbread, black-eyed If you are in rebellion against God, you might be thinking
peas, the whole w orksall laid out, with tall, sweaty glasses about God the way the brothers thought about Joseph.
of iced tea. Joseph even carries portions from his own table You might think that God will come down hard on you. But
and serves these guys at their table. Isaiah says that God is waiting to be gracious to us, even to
Whats more, Benjamins portion is five times as big rebels (Isa. 30:18). We see the same with Joseph and his
as theirs: five steaks, five loads of peas, five chunks of brothers: Ive been waiting twenty-two years to feed you
cornbread, five glasses of tea. Dont you think Benjamin guys this kind of meal. The Lord is waiting to give us good
wondered, What in the world is happening? Joseph is gifts. He cant wait to fill our table to overflowing.
 G e n e sis 4 4 : 1 5 72

before him. 15 What have you done? Joseph de-

30 And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my father

manded. Dont you know that a man like me can without the boy. Our fathers life is bound up in the
predict the future? boys life. 31 If he sees that the boy is not with us, our

16 Judah answered, Oh, my lord, what can we say

father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be re
to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove sponsible for sending that grieving, white-haired
our innocence? God is punishing us for our sins. My man to his grave. 32 My lord, I guaranteed to my fa-

lord, we have all returned to be your s lavesall of us, ther that I would take care of the boy. I told him, If
not just our brother who had your cup in his sack. I dont bring him back to you, I will bear the blame
17 No, Joseph said. I would never do such a thing!

forever.
Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The 33 So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave

rest of you may go back to your father in peace. instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his
brothers. 34 For how can I return to my father if the

Judah Speaks for His Brothers boy is not with me? I couldnt bear to see the anguish
18 Then

Judah stepped forward and said, Please, my this would cause my father!
lord, let your servant say just one word to you. Please,
do not be angry with me, even though you are as Joseph Reveals His Identity
powerful as Pharaoh himself.
19 My lord, previously you asked us, your servants,

Do you have a father or a brother? 20 And we re-

45 Joseph could stand it no longer. There were
many people in the room, and he said to his
attendants, Out, all of you! So he was alone with his
sponded, Yes, my lord, we have a father who is an old brothers when he told them who he was. 2 Then he

man, and his youngest son is a child of his old age. His broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyp-
full brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mothers tians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried
children, and his father loves him very much. to Pharaohs palace.
21 And you said to us, Bring him here so I can see
3 I am Joseph! he said to his brothers. Is my

him with my own eyes. 22 But we said to you, My lord,

father still alive? But his brothers were speech-
the boy cannot leave his father, for his father would less!They were stunned to realize that Joseph was
die. 23 But you told us, Unless your youngest brother

standing there in front of them. 4 Please, come

comes with you, you will never see my face again. closer, he said to them. So they came closer. And
24 So we returned to your servant, our father, and

he said again, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you
told him what you had said. 25 Later, when he said, Go

sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But dont be upset, and

back again and buy us more food, 26 we replied, We

dont be angry with yourselves for selling me to this
cant go unless you let our youngest brother go with place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to
us. Well never get to see the mans face unless our preserve your lives. 6 This famine that has ravaged

youngest brother is with us. the land for two years will last five more years, and
27 Then my father said to us, As you know, my wife

there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God

had two sons, 28 and one of them went away and never

has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your fam-
returned. Doubtless he was torn to pieces by some ilies alive and to preserve many survivors.* 8 So it

wild animal. I have never seen him since. 29 Now if

was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the
you take his brother away from me, and any harm one who made me an adviser* to Pharaohthe
comes to him, you will send this grieving, white- manager of his entire palace and the governor of
haired man to his grave.* all Egypt.
44:29Hebrew to Sheol; also in 44:31.45:7Or and to save you with an extraordinary rescue. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.45:8Hebrew a father.
LIVING INSIGHTS

JUDAHS CHANGE OF HEART Gen. 44:18-34 Look at bit religious about it: I cant wait to see how God deals
what Judah is doing here. He pleads for his brother and for with you.
his father. What a change this is! Twenty-two years earlier, But Joseph does none of that. He is generous, unselfish,
he couldnt have cared less what his father thought or how and supportive. How? He has the right perspective. He
his brother felt. His father had shown favoritism to Joseph. says, Brothers, this was all part of Gods plan. God sent
No one was worried about Jacobs feelings when he me here. Now, go tell our father what has happened,
thought Joseph was dead. But now Judah says, We cant andbring him here to be with me. How magnanimous
do this to our dad. We cant do this to our brother. God ofJoseph to respond to his brothers in this way! How
had changed Judahs heart. He had changed them all. beautifully forgiving.
Greatness is not revealed in one-time grand actions but
JOSEPHS GREATNESS Gen. 45:1-15 It is easy to
in daily positive attitudes. If youre under the impression
keep a list of the people who have wronged us. We can go
you are going to be great because of some great action
through all the motions on Sunday, perform our religious
but you harbor wrong attitudes, youre in for a terrible jolt.
exercises, pack our Bibles under our armsbut all the while
Greatness comes from a sweet spirit, humility, forgiveness,
be thinking, You just wait. Sometimes we even get a little
and support for fellow human beings.
73 G e n e sis 4 6 : 2 1

9 Now hurry back to my father and tell him,

Jacobs Journey to Egypt
This is what your son Joseph says: God has made
me master over all the land of Egypt. So come down
to me immediately! 10 You can live in the region of

46 So Jacob* set out for Egypt with all his pos-
sessions. And when he came to Beersheba,
he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac.
Goshen, where you can be near me with all your chil- 2 During the night God spoke to him in a vision.

dren and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and Jacob! Jacob! he called.
everything you own. 11 I will take care of you there,

Here I am, Jacob replied.
for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. 3 I am God,* the God of your father, the voice said.

Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will
will starve. make your family into a great nation. 4 I will go with

12 Then Joseph added, Look! You can see for your-

you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again.
selves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that I really You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to
am Joseph! 13 Go tell my father of my honored posi-

close your eyes.
tion here in Egypt. Describe for him everything you 5 So Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons took him to

have seen, and then bring my father here quickly. Egypt. They carried him and their little ones and their
14 Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and

wives in the wagons Pharaoh had provided for them.
Benjamin did the same. 15 Then Joseph kissed each
6 They also took all their livestock and all the personal

of his brothers and wept over them, and after that belongings they had acquired in the land of Canaan.
they began talking freely with him. So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt7 sons

and grandsons, daughters and granddaughtersall

Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt his descendants.
16 The news soon reached Pharaohs palace: Josephs

8 These are the names of the descendants of Israel

brothers have arrived! Pharaoh and his officials were the sons of J acobwho went to Egypt:
all delighted to hear this.
17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, Tell your brothers, This

Reuben was Jacobs oldest son. 9 The sons of Reuben

is what you must do: Load your pack animals, and were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
10 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad,
hurry back to the land of Canaan. 18 Then get your

father and all of your families, and return here to me. Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul. (Shauls mother was a
I will give you the very best land in Egypt, and you will Canaanite woman.)
11 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
eat from the best that the land produces.

19 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Tell your brothers,

12 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez,

Take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your and Zerah (though Er and Onan had died in the
little children and your wives, and bring your father land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron
here. 20 Dont worry about your personal belongings,
and Hamul.
13 The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah,* Jashub,*
for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.

21 So the sons of Jacob* did as they were told. Jo

and Shimron.
14 The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
seph provided them with wagons, as Pharaoh had

15 These were the sons of Leah and Jacob who were

commanded, and he gave them supplies for the

journey. 22 And he gave each of them new clothes

born in Paddan-aram, in addition to their daughter,
but to Benjamin he gave five changes of clothes and Dinah. The number of Jacobs descendants (male and
300pieces* of silver. 23 He also sent his father ten
female) through Leah was thirty-three.
male donkeys loaded with the finest products of 16 The sons of Gad were Zephon,* Haggi, Shuni,

Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
and bread and other supplies he would need on 17 The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and

hisjourney. Beriah. Their sister was Serah. Beriahs sons were

24 So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left,
Heber and Malkiel.

he called after them, Dont quarrel about all this 18 These were the sons of Zilpah, the servant given to

along the way! 25 And they left Egypt and returned

Leah by her father, Laban. The number of Jacobs de-

to their father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan. scendants through Zilpah was sixteen.
26 Joseph is still alive! they told him. And he is

governor of all the land of Egypt! Jacob was stunned 19 The sons of Jacobs wife Rachel were Joseph and

at the newshe couldnt believe it. 27 But when they Benjamin.

repeated to Jacob everything Joseph had told them, 20 Josephs sons, born in the land of Egypt, were

and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry Manasseh and Ephraim. Their mother was
him, their fathers spirits revived. Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.*
28 Then Jacob exclaimed, It must be true! My son
21 Benjamins sons were Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera,

Joseph is alive! I must go and see him before I die. Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
45:21Hebrew Israel; also in 45:28. See note on 35:21.45:22Hebrew 300[shekels], about 7.5pounds or 3.4kilograms in weight.46:1Hebrew Israel; also in 46:29, 30. See
note on 35:21.46:3Hebrew I am El.46:13aAs in Syriac version and Samaritan Pentateuch (see also 1Chr 7:1); Hebrew readsPuvah.46:13bAs in some Greek manuscripts
and Samaritan Pentateuch (see also Num 26:24; 1Chr 7:1); Hebrew reads Iob.46:16As in Greek version and Samaritan Pentateuch (see also Num 26:15); Hebrew reads Ziphion.
46:20Greek version reads of Heliopolis.
G e n e sis 4 6 : 2 2 74

BEERSHEBA
The Last Stop and a
Place ofBeginning
GENESIS 46:1-7

Jordan
WEST River
BANK

Jerusalem

ISRAEL
Hebron Dead
Sea

Beersheba JORDAN

The End of the Road. Beersheba sat at the very southern tip
ofthepopulated area of Israel.

WATER REMAINED the Negevs most precious commodity. With little rainfall, the
area had to rely on wells for its water. It was because of a well that Beersheba first
appeared on the pages of biblical history. Abraham paid the price of seven female
lambs to secure ownership of a well, and Isaac made a covenant with Abimelech at
Beersheba after a quarrel over water. As a result, Beersheba takes its name from the
phrases well of the seven and well of the oath (Gen. 21:25-34; 26:12-33).
Beersheba served as the last stop on the road called the Way of the Patriarchs.
This ancient highway stretched along the watershed of the hill country and received
its name from the patriarchs who traveled along it. The road d ead-ended at Beersheba.
Because the ancient site was the last stop, it remained the proverbial southern border
throughout the history of biblical Israel: from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the
south (Judg. 20:1; 2Sam. 24:2; 1Kgs. 4:25). As the final stop before the wilderness,
Beersheba also became a point of departure for many spiritual journeys. Abraham,
Hagar, Jacob, and Elijah all experienced life-changing encounters with God in asso-
ciation with Beersheba (Gen. 16:8; 21:14-18; 46:3-4; 1Kgs. 19:3).
As Jacob and the Hebrew people were leaving Canaan to enter Egypt at Josephs
invitation, they came to Beersheba. There God spoke to Jacob in a dream, telling him
four truths (Gen. 46:3-4):

 I am God.
 Do not be afraid to go where I am leading you.
 My purposes for you are there, not here.
 I will go there with you.

In our own lives, we, too, need to hear these truths as we consider where God is lead-
ing us. By principle, they are Gods promises to us as well.
75 G e n e sis 4 7 : 1 2

22 These

were the sons of Rachel and Jacob. The him this, he will let you live here in the region of
number of Jacobs descendants through Rachel was Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds.
fourteen.
23 The son of Dan was Hushim. Jacob Blesses Pharaoh

47

24 The sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Then Joseph went to see Pharaoh and told
him, My father and my brothers have arrived

Shillem.
25 These were the sons of Bilhah, the servant given to from the land of Canaan. They have come with all
their flocks and herds and possessions, and they are

Rachel by her father, Laban. The number of Jacobs

now in the region of Goshen.
descendants through Bilhah was seven. 2 Joseph took five of his brothers with him and

26 The

total number of Jacobs direct descendants presented them to Pharaoh. 3 And Pharaoh asked the

who went with him to Egypt, not counting his sons brothers, What is your occupation?
wives, was sixty-six. 27 In addition, Joseph had two

They replied, We, your servants, are shepherds,
sons* who were born in Egypt. So altogether, there just like our ancestors. 4 We have come to live here

were seventy* members of Jacobs family in the land in Egypt for a while, for there is no pasture for our
of Egypt. flocks in Canaan. The famine is very severe there. So
please, we request permission to live in the region of
Jacobs Family Arrives in Goshen Goshen.
28 As they neared their destination, Jacob sent Judah
5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Now that your

ahead to meet Joseph and get directions to the region father and brothers have joined you here, 6 choose

of Goshen. And when they finally arrived there, 29 Jo

any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to
seph prepared his chariot and traveled to Goshen to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live
meet his father, Jacob. When Joseph arrived, he em- in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have
braced his father and wept, holding him for a long special skills, put them in charge of my livestock,
time. 30 Finally, Jacob said to Joseph, Now I am ready

too.
to die, since I have seen your face again and know you 7 Then Joseph brought in his father, Jacob, and

are still alive. presented him to Pharaoh. And Jacob blessed

31 And Joseph said to his brothers and to his fa-

Pharaoh.
thers entire family, I will go to Pharaoh and tell 8 How old are you? Pharaoh asked him.

him, My brothers and my fathers entire family have 9 Jacob replied, I have traveled this earth for

come to me from the land of Canaan. 32 These men

130hard years. But my life has been short compared
are shepherds, and they raise livestock. They have to the lives of my ancestors. 10 Then Jacob blessed

brought with them their flocks and herds and every Pharaoh again before leaving his court.
thing theyown. 11 So Joseph assigned the best land of Egyptthe

33 Then he said, When Pharaoh calls for you and

region of Ramesesto his father and his broth-
asks you about your occupation, 34 you must tell him,
ers, and he settled them there, just as Pharaoh had
We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, commanded. 12 And Joseph provided food for his

as our ancestors have always done. When you tell father and his brothers in amounts appropriate
46:27aGreek version reads nine sons, probably including Josephs grandsons through Ephraim and Manasseh (see 1Chr 7:14-20).46:27bGreek version reads seventy-five;
see note on Exod 1:5.
LIVING INSIGHTS

JOSEPH PLANNED AHEAD Gen. 46:31-34 Joseph JOSEPH SUBMITTED Gen. 47:1-12 Joseph submit-
planned ahead with wisdom. He did his homework. ted to authority with loyal accountability. He took his
Hedidnt simply find the best spot in Egypt and tell his father and his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh.
father and brothers, Hey, you guys settle over there, and Then hemoved them into the region of Goshen, as
well build a fence around it. Nor do we findJoseph Pharaoh had ordered him to do. There is a true sense
presuming on his boss and reminding Pharaoh that it ofhumility and accountability in Josephs life.
was he, Joseph, who had warned of the famine nine Do you serve under the authority of someone? How is
yearsearlier. your spirit toward the person to whom you answer? Tough
Joseph keeps an objective mentality when it comes question, I know. It is especially difficult if that person is
to the Egyptians. He knows how Egyptians think. He not your kind of individual or if you see weaknesses in his
warns his brothers, Look, shepherds are loathsome here. or her leadership. You have two choices: You should stand
Were not in Canaan anymore. In Egypt, we have to think with the one you are serving or you should resign. Dont
like Egyptians. Tell Pharaoh youre keepers of livestock. backbite. Dont work against him or her. Either follow or,
Joseph had become a student of his boss, and he ifyou cant, remove yourself from the situation.
planned aheadaccordingly.
 G e n e sis 4 7 : 1 3 76

to the number of their dependents, including the it please you, my lord, to let us be Pharaohs ser-
smallestchildren. vants. 26 Joseph then issued a decree still in effect in

the land of Egypt, that Pharaoh should receive one-

Josephs Leadership in the Famine fifth of all the crops grown on his land. Only the land
13 Meanwhile, the famine became so severe that all the

belonging to the priests was not given to Pharaoh.
food was used up, and people were starving through- 27 Meanwhile, the people of Israel settled in the re-

out the lands of Egypt and Canaan. 14 By selling grain

gion of Goshen in Egypt. There they acquired prop-
to the people, Joseph eventually collected all the erty, and they were fruitful, and their population grew
money in Egypt and Canaan, and he put the money in rapidly. 28 Jacob lived for seventeen years after his

Pharaohs treasury. 15 When the people of Egypt and

arrival in Egypt, so he lived 147years in all.
Canaan ran out of money, all the Egyptians came to 29 As the time of his death drew near, Jacob* called

Joseph. Our money is gone! they cried. But please for his son Joseph and said to him, Please do me this
give us food, or we will die before your very eyes! favor. Put your hand under my thigh and swear that
16 Joseph replied, Since your money is gone, bring

you will treat me with unfailing love by honoring this
me your livestock. I will give you food in exchange last request: Do not bury me in Egypt. 30 When I die,

for your livestock. 17 So they brought their livestock

please take my body out of Egypt and bury me with
to Joseph in exchange for food. In exchange for their my ancestors.
horses, flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, So Joseph promised, I will do as you ask.
and donkeys, Joseph provided them with food for 31 Swear that you will do it, Jacob insisted. So

anotheryear. Joseph gave his oath, and Jacob bowed humbly at the
18 But that year ended, and the next year they came

head of his bed.*
again and said, We cannot hide the truth from you,
my lord. Our money is gone, and all our livestock and Jacob Blesses Manasseh and Ephraim
cattle are yours. We have nothing left to give but our
bodies and our land. 19 Why should we die before your

very eyes? Buy us and our land in exchange for food;

48 One day not long after this, word came to
Joseph, Your father is failing rapidly. So Jo
seph went to visit his father, and he took with him his
we offer our land and ourselves as slaves for Pharaoh. two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Just give us grain so we may live and not die, and so the 2 When Joseph arrived, Jacob was told, Your son

land does not become empty and desolate. Joseph has come to see you. So Jacob* gathered his
20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pha
strength and sat up in his bed.
raoh. All the Egyptians sold him their fields because 3 Jacob said to Joseph, God Almighty* appeared

the famine was so severe, and soon all the land be- to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me.
longed to Pharaoh. 21 As for the people, he made them
4 He said to me, I will make you fruitful, and I will

all slaves,* from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 The multiply your descendants. I will make you a multi-
only land he did not buy was the land belonging to the tude of nations. And I will give this land of Canaan
priests. They received an allotment of food directly to your descendants* after you as an everlasting
from Pharaoh, so they didnt need to sell theirland. possession.
23 Then Joseph said to the people, Look, today I
5 Now I am claiming as my own sons these two

have bought you and your land for Pharaoh. I will boys of yours, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were
provide you with seed so you can plant the fields. born here in the land of Egypt before I arrived. They
24 Then when you harvest it, one-fifth of your crop

will be my sons, just as Reuben and Simeon are. 6 But

will belong to Pharaoh. You may keep the remaining any children born to you in the future will be your
four-fifths as seed for your fields and as food for you, own, and they will inherit land within the territories
your households, and your little ones. of their brothers Ephraim and Manasseh.
25 You have saved our lives! they exclaimed. May
7 Long ago, as I was returning from Paddan-aram,*

47:21As in Greek version and Samaritan Pentateuch; Hebrew reads he moved them all into the towns.47:29Hebrew Israel; also in 47:31b. See note on 35:21.47:31Greek
version reads and Israel bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff. Compare Heb 11:21.48:2Hebrew Israel; also in 48:8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 21. See note on 35:21.48:3Hebrew
El-Shaddai.48:4Hebrew seed; also in 48:19.48:7Hebrew Paddan, referring to Paddan-aram; compare Gen 35:9.
LIVING INSIGHTS

JOSEPHS INTEGRITY Gen. 47:13-26 Joseph makes point. Joseph has to live with Joseph. That is why, as the
arrangements for Egypts survival with a great deal of per- money comes into his account, he transfers the funds
sonal integrity. He is a governmental official with people in into Pharaohs account. There is no payoff along the way.
the palm of his hand. He holds their meal tickets. He keeps Thatsintegrity.
the key to the granary. What a perfect opportunity for him Integrity keeps your eyes on your paper during the test.
to rip off the public! He could pilfer part of the money that Integrity causes you to put down the true figures when
belongs to his superior. Would Pharaoh miss a few bucks it comes to your expense account. Integrity keeps your
now and then? personal life pure and straight, regardless of the perceived
Pharaoh might not miss them, but that was not the benefits that might come through compromise.
77 G e n e sis 4 9 : 1 0

Rachel died in the land of Canaan. We were still on what I have given your brothers, I am giving you an
the way, some distance from Ephrath (that is, Bethle extra portion of the land* that I took from the Amo
hem). So with great sorrow I buried her there beside rites with my sword and bow.
the road to Ephrath.
8 Then Jacob looked over at the two boys. Are these
Jacobs Last Words to His Sons
your sons? he asked.
9 Yes, Joseph told him, these are the sons God

has given me here in Egypt.

49 Then Jacob called together all his sons
and said, Gather around me, and I will tell
youwhat will happen to each of you in the days to
And Jacob said, Bring them closer to me, so I can come.
bless them. 2 Come and listen, yousons of Jacob;
10 Jacob was half blind because of his age and
listen to Israel, your father.

could hardly see. So Joseph brought the boys close to

him, and Jacob kissed and embraced them. 11 Then
3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength,
Jacob said to Joseph, I never thought I would see the child of my vigorous youth.
your face again, but now God has let me see your You are first in rank and first in power.
children, too! 4 But you are as unruly as a flood,
12 Jos eph moved the boys, who were at their
and you will be first no longer.
grandfathers knees, and he bowed with his face to For you went to bed with my wife;
the ground. 13 Then he positioned the boys in front
you defiled my marriage couch.
of Jacob. With his right hand he directed Ephraim 5 Simeon and Levi are two of a kind;
toward Jacobs left hand, and with his left hand he
their weapons are instruments of violence.
put Manasseh at Jacobs right hand. 14 But Jacob

6 May I never join in their meetings;

crossed his arms as he reached out to lay his hands
may I never be a party to their plans.
on the boys heads. He put his right hand on the
For in their anger they murdered men,
head of Ephraim, though he was the younger boy,
and they crippled oxen just for sport.
and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, though 7 A curse on their anger, for it is fierce;
he was the firstborn. 15 Then he blessed Joseph
a curse on their wrath, for it is cruel.

andsaid,
I will scatter them among the descendants
May the God before whom my grandfather ofJacob;
Abraham I will disperse them throughout Israel.
and my father, Isaac, walked 8 Judah, your brothers will praise you.
the God who has been my shepherd
all my life, to this very day, You will grasp your enemies by the neck.
16 the Angel who has redeemed me from all All your relatives will bow before you.
9 Judah, my son, is a young lion
harm
may he bless these boys. that has finished eating its prey.
May they preserve my name Like a lion he crouches and lies down;
and the names of Abraham and Isaac. like a lionesswho dares to rouse him?
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
And may their descendants multiply greatly
throughout the earth. nor the rulers staff from his descendants,*
until the coming of the one to whom it
17 But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father

belongs,*
placed his right hand on Ephraims head. So Joseph the one whom all nations will honor.
lifted it to move it from Ephraims head to Manas
48:22Or an extra ridge of land. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
sehs head. 18 No, my father, he said. This one is the

49:10aHebrew from between his feet.49:10bOr until tribute is brought to
firstborn. Put your right hand on his head. himand the peoples obey; traditionally rendered until Shiloh comes.
19 But his father refused. I know, my son; I know,

he replied. Manasseh will also become a great

LIVING INSIGHTS

people, but his younger brother will become even DEATH IS A SHARED MOMENT Gen. 48:12 There
greater. And his descendants will become a multitude is something beautiful about this scene: Joseph and his
of nations. sons come together at the moment when Jacob is about
20 So Jacob blessed the boys that day with this
to die. It is a shared moment, not a solitary one. We
blessing: The people of Israel will use your names see a theological blessing given to the sons of Joseph,
when they give a blessing. They will say, May God but we also see a valuable lesson concerning how and
make you as prosperous as Ephraim and Manas where we die. We have fallen upon strange times, in
seh. In this way, Jacob put Ephraim ahead of which birth is something an entire family enters into but
death is something set aside only for professionals. How
Manasseh.
21 Then Jacob said to Joseph, Look, I am about to seldom it is that we see anyone die! But death should
be a shared moment in the life of a family.

die, but God will be with you and will take you back
to Canaan, the land of your ancestors. 22 And beyond

G e n e sis 4 9 : 1 1 78

11 He ties his foal to a grapevine, Jacobs Death and Burial

the colt of his donkey to a choice vine. 29 Then Jacob instructed them, Soon I will die and

He washes his clothes in wine, join my ancestors. Bury me with my father and grand
his robes in the blood of grapes. father in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite.
12 His eyes are darker than wine, 30 This is the cave in the field of Machpelah, near

and his teeth are whiter than milk. Mamre in Canaan, that Abraham bought from Eph
13 Zebulun will settle by the seashore ron the Hittite as a permanent burial site. 31 There

and will be a harbor for ships; Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried. There Isaac
his borders will extend to Sidon. and his wife, Rebekah, are buried. And there I bur-
ied Leah. 32 It is the plot of land and the cave that my

14 Issachar is a sturdy donkey, grandfather Abraham bought from theHittites.

resting between two saddlepacks.* 33 When Jacob had finished this charge to his

15 When he sees how good the countryside is sons, he drew his feet into the bed, breathed his last,
and how pleasant the land, and joined his ancestors in death.
he will bend his shoulder to the load
and submit himself to hard labor.
16 Dan will govern his people, 50 Joseph threw himself on his father and wept
over him and kissed him. 2 Then Joseph told
the physicians who served him to embalm his fathers

like any other tribe in Israel.

17 Dan will be a snake beside the road, body; so Jacob* was embalmed. 3 The embalming

a poisonous viper along the path process took the usual forty days. And the Egyptians
that bites the horses hooves mourned his death for seventy days.
4 When the period of mourning was over, Joseph
so its rider is thrown off.

18 I trust in you for salvation, OLord! approached Pharaohs advisers and said, Please do
me this favor and speak to Pharaoh on my behalf.
19 Gad will be attacked by marauding bands, 5 Tell him that my father made me swear an oath.

but he will attack them when they retreat. He said to me, Listen, I am about to die. Take my
20 Asher will dine on rich foods body back to the land of Canaan, and bury me in the
and produce food fit for kings. tomb I prepared for myself. So please allow me to
go and bury my father. After his burial, I will return
21 Naphtali is a doe set free
without delay.
that bears beautiful fawns. 6 Pharaoh agreed to Josephs request. Go and bury

22 Joseph is the foal of a wild donkey, your father, as he made you promise, he said. 7 So Jo

the foal of a wild donkey at a spring seph went up to bury his father. He was accompanied
one of the wild donkeys on the ridge.* by all of Pharaohs officials, all the senior members
23 Archers attacked him savagely; of Pharaohs household, and all the senior officers
they shot at him and harassed him. of Egypt. 8 Joseph also took his entire household and

24 But his bow remained taut, his brothers and their households. But they left their
and his arms were strengthened little children and flocks and herds in the land of Go-
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, shen. 9 A great number of chariots and charioteers

by the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. accompanied Joseph.

25 May the God of your father help you; 10 When they arrived at the threshing floor of

may the Almighty bless you Atad, near the Jordan River, they held a very great
with the blessings of the heavens above, and solemn memorial service, with a seven-day pe-
and blessings of the watery depths below, riod of mourning for Josephs father. 11 The local

and blessings of the breasts and womb. residents, the Canaanites, watched them mourning
26 May my fatherly blessings on you at the threshing floor of Atad. Then they renamed
surpass the blessings of my ancestors,* that place (which is near the Jordan) Abel-mizraim,*
reaching to the heights of the eternal hills. for they said, This isa place of deep mourning for
May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph, these Egyptians.
who is a prince among his brothers. 12 So Jacobs sons did as he had commanded them.

13 They carried his body to the land of Canaan and

27 Benjamin is a ravenous wolf,

buried him in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near
devouring his enemies in the morning Mamre. This is the cave that Abraham had bought as a
and dividing his plunder in the evening. permanent burial site from Ephron the Hittite.
28 These are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this

iswhat their father said as he told his sons good- Joseph Reassures His Brothers
bye. He blessed each one with an appropriate 14 After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with

message. his brothers and all who had accompanied him to

49:14Or sheepfolds, or hearths.49:22Or Joseph is a fruitful tree, / a fruitful tree beside a spring. / His branches reach over the wall. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
49:26Or of the ancient mountains.50:2Hebrew Israel. See note on 35:21.50:11Abel-mizraim means mourning of the Egyptians.
79 G e n e sis 5 0 : 1 4

Kindness Keeps No Record

GENESIS 50:14-21

ISNT IT A M A ZING how, in spite of the powerful impact kindness makes on all of
ourlives, everything within us and around us seems to block the impulse to do some-
thing kind? Kindness often takes extra time. But were in such a hurry. Kindness means
putting ourselves in the other persons place. But were so self-centered. Kindness calls
for compassion. But were usually preoccupied and driven. Most
important, kindness frequently includes forgiveness. But its so A kind heart
much easier to hold a grudge and lick our wounds of bitterness
shows itself in
andresentment.
The Bible is filled with significant acts of kindness by Gods people acts of grace
to those who didnt deserve it. The Gospel accounts are full of Jesus as forgiveness
acts of mercy and kindness, done even for those who would turn
against Him and despise Him and nail Him to the cross. Of them He unfolds from
said, Father, forgive them, for they dont know what they are doing your life.
(Luke 23:34). Paul later instructed Christs followers, Be kind to each
other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you
(Eph. 4:32). A kind heart shows itself in acts of grace as forgiveness unfolds from your life.
How do you counteract bitterness when somebody has done you wrong?

 Immediately seek Gods strength. Our tendency is to defend ourselves when we

are wronged, to give four or five reasons to ourselves why we dont deserve it. But
responding in that way begins a human-focused tailspin that never ends. We cant
help but be surprised when a close friend or relative turns against us. But if you do not
immediately turn the situation over to God, anger or depression will set in, and you will
be blue for days, if not weeks, if not months!
 Consider the other persons viewpoint. Do your best to put yourself in that persons
shoes and think about what he or she has said or done. You may be surprised. Some
ofit may, in fact, be justified. If not, now is the time to forgive.
 Stay positive and search for Gods lessons. Im not saying that we should laugh and
chuckle our way through life. Life is hard and often harsh. But there is a difference
between not smiling all the time and seldom breaking into a nice, relaxed, happy grin!
One of the ways that you can search for Gods lessons when you have been wronged
is to get counsel from a close f riendsomeone who can sharpen you as iron sharpens
iron (Prov. 27:17). Close friends are those rare people with whom you can share your
deepest conflicts and doubts and know they will keep your confidences and accept you
absolutely. A true friend can offer an objective perspective and help you seek the Lord.
 Discover ways of showing kindness to the other person. I dont mean phony hypocrisy.
I dont mean putting on a big smile while hiding a sharp set of teeth. I mean genuine
kindness and friendship. This can only happen if youve followed the other steps above.

When someone does you wrong, you can say, I dont deserve that. Thats a total surprise.
Im hurt. Why did God let it happen? That makes me so bitter. Ive had it. Ill get even. Nows
my chance. Or, you can say, This isnt any accident. I am going to trust God in this situation.
You see, love keeps no record of being wronged (1Cor. 13:5).
 G e n e sis 5 0 : 1 5 80

his fathers burial. 15 But now that their father was

care of you and your children. So he reassured them
dead, Josephs brothers became fearful. Now Jo by speaking kindly to them.
seph will show his anger and pay us back for all the
wrong we did to him, they said. The Death of Joseph
16 So they sent this message to Joseph: Before your 22 So Joseph and his brothers and their families contin-

father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: Please

ued to live in Egypt. Joseph lived to the age of 110. 23He

forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to lived to see three generations of descendants of his son
youfor their sin in treating you so cruelly. So we, the Ephraim, and he lived to see the birth of the children of
Manassehs son Makir, whom he claimed as his own.*
servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive 24 Soon I will die, Joseph told his brothers, but
our sin. When Joseph received the message, he broke

God will surely come to help you and lead you out of
down and wept. 18 Then his brothers came and threw

this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land

themselves down before Joseph. Look, we are your he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and
slaves! they said. to Jacob.
19 But Joseph replied, Dont be afraid of me. Am I

25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath,

God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm

and he said, When God comes to help you and lead
me, but God intended it all for good. He brought you back, you must take my bones with you. 26 So Jo

me to this position so I could save the lives of many seph died at the age of 110. The Egyptians embalmed
people. 21 No, dont be afraid. I will continue to take
him, and his body was placed in a coffin in Egypt.
50:23Hebrew who were born on Josephs knees.
LIVING INSIGHTS

FEAR OF REPRISAL Gen. 50:15-18 If youve experi not only saw the entire rainbow, but I flew through it and
enced a death in your family, especially the death of a around it. It was marvelous!
parent, you know how siblings can use that moment to turn Joseph says, in effect, I see the whole rainbow. You
on one another. Thats exactly what the brothers fear: Dad guys are only seeing part of it. I have flown through it and
is gone, and Josephs brakes will be off! Imagination takes around it, and our fathers death doesnt change anything.
over, and suddenly Josephs brothers become fearful all You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
over a gaineven though he has treated them well all along. When you are in a position of control over someone
They relive the moment when he toldthem,IamJoseph! who has hurt you, remember the rainbow and remember
(Gen. 45:3). Joseph. Guard your heart when you are in a position to
We are like this in our relationship with God. We experi- exploit someone or to remind them of their guilt. Keep
ence Gods grace, but then we fear how He might treat us the big picture in mind, and you will find you can exercise
when we fail. Look carefully at Josephs response. He tells godlyrestraint and grace.
his brothers, once again, not to fear. He reassures them.
GODS SOVEREIGN HAND Gen. 50:20 When I
The brothers failure was real, and Joseph leaves their
acknowledge Gods sovereign hand in all that has happened
fate in Gods hands. But he assures them he will continue
to me, the grip of bitterness loosens. Some read Genesis
with them in kindness, even in the absence of their father.
50:20 and say, Joseph is in denial. But there is no denial
Josephs grace is a picture of how God treats each one of
here, and no bitterness. Joseph simply acknowledges what
us. We have no need of fear.
they did, and he factors it all through Gods sovereign hand.
LED BY GRACE Gen. 50:19-21 Joseph has the power Do you want the grip of bitterness loosened? Acknowledge
toplace blame and punishment on his brothers shoulders. and accept Gods sovereign handin all that happens to you.
It seems they havent even forgiven themselvesmuch less
ROOM FOR KINDNESS Gen. 50:21 When I am truly
do they expect forgiveness from him. But Joseph is full of
free of bitterness and revenge, there is plenty of room in my
forgiveness. What a great way to live!
heart for kindness. In fact, only when I release bitterness
I love these words from George Robinsons old hymn:
and revenge do I have space for grace.
Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know.
Few things will stand out to your spouse, your friends,
Joseph was led by grace. He understood that his family was
your children, and your coworkers like random acts of
loved with everlasting love. He spoke by grace. He forgave
kindnesskindness that comes often and unexpectedly.
by grace. So when his brothers bowed before him in abject
We all need and want to receive this kindness. Its easy to
fear, he said, I forgive you! God intended it all for good.
forget this when we are driven to achieve, succeed, provide,
SEE THE WHOLE RAINBOW Gen. 50:19-21 Joseph is and excel. When were gone, however, our achievements
able to see the big picture, and he relates to his brothers will fade away. But the memories will live on. Will you be
inlight of a broader point of view. remembered for your kindness?
I once spoke with a pilot who flew helicopters for the There is a kindness in Gods mercya very deep and
police force. One day, for the first and only time in his profound kindness. We see this kindness in Christ. It has
life, he saw a complete rainbow. Fixed to this earth, all no conditions, it has no limitations, and it comes at times
we usually see is half of a rainbow. But the pilot told me, when we dont deserve it. Are you making room in your
I was in the right position in that heavenly prism, and I heart for kindness?